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SHE MUST HAVE BEEN A BEAUTY” 


The Wreck 
of the Princess 


BY JAMES OTIS 

•i 

AUTHOR OF 


“THE) CRUISE OF THE SALTY D” “THE 
CAMP ON INDIAN ISLAND,’* &C. 


illustrated by HUGH A. BODINE 



THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADKLPH lA 
MCMXII 


COPYEIGHT 
1912 BY 
THE PENN 
PUBLISHING 
COMPANY 


Contents 


I. 

The Wreck 



9 

II. 

The Bargain 



23 

III. 

Seeking Advice 



34 

IV. 

Professor Andy’s Excursion 



47 

V. 

Repairing Damages . 



60 

VI. 

Laying Plans . 



71 

VII. 

The Wreckers’ Picnic 



83 

VIII. 

A Long Cruise . 



93 

IX. 

A Slow Boat 



105 

X. 

The Wreckers at Work 



118 

XI. 

Under Canvas . 



131 

XII. 

A Terrible Bird 



142 

XIII. 

Wrecking 



152 

XIV. 

The Wreck Raised . 



165 

XV. 

Ship Carpenters 



178 

XVI. 

Riding at Anchor 



191 

XVII. 

Captain Ezra’s Advice 



203 

XVIII. 

The Captain . 



216 

XIX. 

The Trial Trip 



231 

XX. 

Sam in Trouble 



245 

XXL 

Rules and Regulations 



258 

XXII. 

Cruising .... 



271 

XXIII. 

A Case of Discipline 



285 

XXIV. 

Good Resolutions 



297 


6 



Illustrations 


“ She Must Have Been a Beauty ” 
“ I Came To Make Certain ” 

“ Got Ashore At Last, Eh ? ” 

Pm a Handy Man With Tools ” 
“ Hello., On the Shore ! ” 


• Frontispiece ^ 
. 49 

. . 123'^ 

. . 212 ^ 

. 235 ^ 


The Wreck of the « Princess.’ 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


CHAPTER I 

THE WKECK 

It may be that you cannot find on the map 
of Florida such a place as Bayview, and yet 
it should be set down, else how could Doris 
Newcome, her brother, Philip, and Samuel 
Norris, have been there on a certain day dur- 
ing the winter just past? 

Doris, it is said, was twelve years of age, and 
Phil two years her elder, all of which may be 
true ; but positive it is that Samuel Norris 
was a good twelve months older than the 
brother of Doris, and carried himself as if he 
was an aged uncle. 

The three had come from Germantown — 
not alone, but in company with their parents, 
and the girls and boys of Bayview wondered 
why it was these youngsters were allowed to 
come away from home, at the very time when 
9 


lo The Wreck of the “Princess” 

they should have been in school working hard 
to win promotion. 

If Phil and Sam had been so disposed they 
could have told the young people of Bayview 
that, in order to spend the winter in Florida, 
they had been forced to promise to study as 
diligently under the instruction of a private 
tutor as if they had been at a regular school, 
and before two weeks elapsed it appeared 
much as if they had made a bad bargain. 

Professor Andrew Barclay, the tutor, was a 
pale-faced, round-shouldered young man, who 
had just been graduated from college, and who 
seemed to believe he had been born for no 
other reason than to cram his head full of 
book knowledge that he might never have an 
opportunity to use, even though he should 
live, which was not at all likely, to be as old 
as Methuselah himself. 

As Sam and Phil looked at the matter, it 
wouldn^t have been as bad if Professor Andrew 
Barclay had been content to stuff his own 
head with Greek roots and foolish geometrical 
problems ; but, simply because the fathers of 
the young people paid him a handsome sal- 
ary, he would persist in doing all he could 


The Wreck 


] 1 

to keep the three children at work over their 
books, with seemingly never a thought that 
they were in Florida, where might be seen 
so many interesting and wonderful things. 

Professor Andy, as Sam called him, would 
have had them at their tasks from sunrise to 
sunset if he could have done as he seemed to 
think was his duty. It is a solemn fact, so 
Phil declares, that he tried to begin his work 
as tutor while they were on the train between 
Germantown and Cedar Keys, but the boys 
flatly rebelled, and he, beaten at his own 
game, settled down in one corner of the car 
with his nose in a big book, never taking it 
out except when meals were served. 

Sam insists that he sleeps with three or four 
of the driest, mustiest volumes under his pil- 
low, so he may not lose any opportunity of 
showing what a wonderfully wise man he is, 
in case of wakefulness during the night. 

However, once in Bayview, where could be 
found such Ashing as would make your eyes 
stick out, with boats of all sizes and kinds to 
be hired or borrowed, and the entire Gulf of 
Mexico to sail on, Sam and Phil demanded 
something like the Magna Charta, a Bill of 


12 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Rights, or a treaty wherein should be stated, 
without possibility of mistake, exactly how 
far Professor Andy would be allowed to tor- 
ture them. 

In other words, they insisted it was no more 
than fair they be set free from the shackles of 
Greek and geometry during a certain portion 
of each day, and in their hours of freedom 
Professor Andy should not be allowed to men- 
tion the name of any book, unless, which was 
not at all probable, he spoke of something en- 
tertaining in the way of adventure or piracy. 

Mr. Newcome and Mr. Norris were very 
sensible men, as elderly people go, and, after 
some little discussion, appeared to recognize 
the fact that their children had been abused 
by Professor Andy, therefore they limited his 
time for torture to the hours between ten 
o^clock in the forenoon and one o’clock in the 
afternoon. 

This would have been quite satisfactory to 
Doris, Sam and Phil if it had not been ham- 
pered, so to speak, by the rule that they must 
be in bed every night at or before nine o’clock. 
There was no restriction as to the time they 
might rise in the morning ; but when a fellow 


The Wreck 


^3 

is so sleepy that it seems as if his eyelids were 
really sticking together, it is not much of a 
privilege to be told that he may get out of bed 
before the sun shows himself, if so be he feels 
disposed. 

However, as Doris said with no little of 
satisfaction in her tone, it was a great victory 
to have thus forced Professor Andy to retire 
until ten o^clock in the morning and after 
one o^clock in the afternoon, therefore they 
might be unwise if any further effort at free- 
dom should be made. 

On a certain morning Sam and Phil learned 
that three miles or more away, at a place on 
the coast known as the Inlet, a motor boat 
owned by Mr. Carl Bragg, of New York, who 
had a cottage near by, had been wrecked by 
running at full speed upon a floating tangle 
of logs and roots. 

The little craft was named the Princess,*' 
and the fellow who told Sam and Phil about 
her declared that she was a dandy from the 
word go.” 

She wasn't so terrible fast ; but the way 
Mr. Bragg had her fitted up for comfort was a 
caution,” the boy said enthusiastically. Two 


14 The Wreck of the “Princess” 

cabins, with a portion of the forward one par- 
titioned off to make a wheel house and what 
you might call a cook^s galley well aft near 
the motor.'^ 

“Was she smashed all to pieces?^’ Phil 
asked when the boy was forced to cease speak- 
ing in order to regain his breath. 

“ Smashed ? Not a bit of it, except that 
her bow was stove in, an^ down she went like 
a lump of lead. Mr. Bragg and some of his 
friends were running her, and they came near 
being drowned, so Vve heard said. Anyway, 
even though it was the owner’s fault because 
she’d been piled up on the logs, he laid it all 
to the poor little ‘ Princess,’ and declared that 
she should stay where she was.” 

“ And the waves tore her to pieces, I sup- 
pose,” Sam added with an air of superior 
wisdom. 

“ Waves nothing ! She wasn’t in the gulf, 
but up the Inlet, where the water is as smooth 
as a duck’s back, and it’ll be a good many 
months before any harm comes to her, unless 
some of the sponge fishers take it into their 
heads that it may be good fun to run afoul of 
her with their hulking schooners.” 


The Wreck 


15 


Very much more than has been set down 
did this lad tell Sam and Phil concerning the 
Princess/^ and the result was that they were 
most eager to have a glimpse of the little craft 
which had been condemned to drown because 
her owner had been careless. 

However, the information had been given 
before Professor Andy was forced to go into 
his shell from one p. m. until ten a. m., and, 
therefore, the boys had had no opportunity 
for a three-mile stroll. 

When the Bill of Rights had been signed, 
and the professor was harmless, save during 
three hours out of the twenty-four, Sam in- 
sisted that they should celebrate the gaining 
of a portion of their independence by an ex- 
cursion to the watery grave of the ‘‘ Princess.^’ 

The two boys made elaborate preparations 
for the journey, without thought that there 
were others in the world, until Doris, suspect- 
ing somewhat of the truth, plainly told them 
that they would be acting the part of very, 
very mean brutes if they went away without 
her. 

She reminded them that in the struggle for 
freedom she had stood fearlessly in the fore- 


i6 The Wreck of the ‘‘Princess” 


front of the battle, and even went so far as to 
claim that but for her heroic efforts Professor 
Andy would have succeeded in chaining them 
down to his books for five hours instead of 
three. 

Sam and Phil, recognizing some glimmer of 
truth in her statements, generously decided 
that she should be allowed to accompany 
them on the excursion to the grave of the 
“ Princess,'^ providing she did not, at any 
time in the future, bring it up as a precedent 
which must be followed whenever they had 
private business on hand. 

Doris agreed to make one of the party, but 
wisely refrained from any pledges as to the 
future, and on the second day after the Bill of 
Rights had been s^’gned, in exactly fifteen 
minutes from the time lunch was served, the 
three set off, unarmed, but equipped as their 
judgment dictated, which equipment consisted 
of a small basket, well filled with food. 

It was not until after they had started on 
the journey that either Doris or the boys real- 
ized how fatiguing it might be. Three miles, 
while they were seated comfortably on the 
veranda talking about it, did not seem any 


The Wreck 


17 


very great distance ; but after arriving at the 
boat-house owned by Captain Ezra Curtis, 
which they knew was but a mile from the 
starting-point, the possible labor of the under- 
taking began to dawn upon them. 

“We had no business to bring so much to 
eat,^’ Sam said as he seated himself on the 
benches. Captain Ezra had provided for the 
convenience of his customers, for the old sailor 
earned his livelihood by letting boats or caring 
for those owned by the winter visitors. 

“ It^s precious warm,^^ and Phil wiped the 
perspiration from his forehead while he gazed 
reproachfully at Doris, as if she was in some 
mysterious way to blame for the heat. “ If it 
wasn’t that I’m so keen to see the sunken 
boat, I’d say let’s eat our lunch and go back.” 

“ Why not hire a boat and row down ? ” 
Doris suggested, and Sam looked the surprise 
he felt because some such arrangement had 
not suggested itself to him. “ I’m certain you 
could get a good one here, for father says this 
is the best ” 

“ What’s the sense in making so much talk 
about it ? ” Phil said almost petulantly. “ I’d 
have done it long ago if you had given me 


i8 The Wreck of the ‘‘Princess’’ 


time. Hello, Captain Ezra I he shouted, and 
in a twinkling the old boat-keeper came from 
around the corner. 

‘‘ Bless my stars ! What’s this ? A nice lit- 
tle family picnic, eh ? Why don’t you come 
inside instead of sittin’ out here in the sun ? ” 
This isn’t any picnic. Captain Ezra,” Sam 
said, speaking in his aged-uncle tone. We’re 
on our way to the Inlet to see the wreck of the 
^ Princess,’ and want to hire a boat because 
the walk is too long and hard for Doris. Now 
about a boat ” 

Captain Ezra led the young gentlemen to 
the float, where he pointed out half a dozen 
boats from which a choice might be made, and 
before Doris had flnished telling her brother 
that she was not the one who had complained 
of the long walk Sam shouted for them to ^*get 
aboard, if they counted on going with him.” 

If the wind breezes up you young folks 
better haul the boat outer the water, an’ come 
back on foot, ’cause this ’ere ain’t the safest 
coast in the world when the water’s lumpy,” 
Captain Ezra cried as the three put off from 
the shore, and Sam replied loftily : 

There’s no need of teaching your grand- 


The Wreck 


19 

mother to suck eggs. IVe handled many a 
bigger craft than this.” 

But most likely it was in the Delaware 
River you had your experience. This ^ere 
gulf is different. Look out for the bar at the 
Inlet, an^ bear well to the suth^rd before run- 
nin’ in.” 

What does he mean by bearing to the 
suth’rd?” Doris asked in perplexity when 
they were on their way, and Sam replied, still 
in the aged-uncle tone : 

“ That's only a sailor's phrase, which doesn't 
mean anything in particular, but I've noticed 
that all old seamen use it.” 

Sam had taken the oars in order to prove 
more conclusively that he was accustomed to 
handling craft of all kinds ; Phil was seated 
in the bow as comfortably as the anchor and 
cable would permit, while Doris was in the 
stern-sheets, holding the tiller ropes without 
any very good idea of what she should do with 
them. 

** This is way ahead of walking I ” Phil 
cried enthusiastically, and Sam, stopping to 
wipe the perspiration from his face, added just 
a trifle dolefully : 


20 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


It would be if these oars weren’t quite so 
long and heavy. I can’t understand why a 
man who calls himself a sailor, as I suppose 
Captain Ezra does, hasn’t a better idea of what 
is needed in a boat of this kind. When you 
want to try your hand at rowing, Phil, say the 
word, and we’ll change places.” 

“But I don’t know much about boats. 
You’re the only sailor in the party, and I’ve 
heard Professor Andy say that it wasn’t safe 
to let persons who were ignorant of such mat- 
ters take part in handling boats.” 

It really seemed to Sam, who was exerting 
himself strenuously at the oars, as if a full two 
hours had passed, although in reality no more 
than thirty minutes were thus spent, when 
Phil shouted triumphantly, as if by his exer- 
tions alone had the voyage been made : 

“ There’s the Inlet I I wonder how far in 
the wreck is ? ” 

“ Isn’t something sticking out of the water 
just around the point ? ” Doris asked excitedly, 
unconsciously rising to her feet as she spoke, 
thereby causing the boat to careen until the 
water was within an inch of coming over the 
rail. 


The Wreck 


21 


** Sit down ! ” Sam cried in alarm, changing 
his position on the thwart to counterbalance 
the weight of Doris. You mustn't jump 
around in that way when you are at sea, for 
it's dangerous ! " 

Oh, excuse me ! " and Doris sat down very 
suddenly — so suddenly, in fact, that the half- 
eaten pickle was thrown from her hand by the 
shock, and involuntarily she reached out 
quickly to catch it, thereby calling forth 
another reproof from Sam, who said in his 
most severe aged-uncle tone : 

‘‘Really, Doris, if you are going to leap 
around in this way, I must ask you to go 
ashore. I tell you it isn't safe " 

“ Here's the Inlet, all right, and now how 
do you bear to the south'rd, as Captain Ezra 
said we must ? " Phil cried, interrupting Sam's 
lecture on the sin of “ leaping " in a boat. “ It's 
time you began bearing, if you know what it 
means." 

“ I told you it was only what all sailors said 
when they talked of putting to sea," Sam re- 
plied, and without delay he pulled the boat 
sharply around, heading her directly for the 
Inlet. 


22 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


The sand-bar was there, as it had been for 
many years, but so far covered by water as to 
be hidden from view, and, as a matter of 
course, the boat's bow struck it. 

In a twinkling all was confusion. Sam 
shouted orders which his companions did not 
understand ; Doris screamed as the tiny craft 
heeled until the water came over the rail, and 
Phil, eager to do something in order to pre- 
vent another wreck, threw overboard the 
anchor. 

It was this last act which worked the mis- 
chief, for in performing it he unwittingly 
braced himself against the rail, and the hired 
craft quietly turned over on her side, throw- 
ing Professor Andy’s pupils into the water 
without ceremony. 


CHAPTER II 


THE BAEGAIN 

As a shipwreck it was tame ; viewed in the 
light of an involuntary bath there could be no 
question but that it was unpleasantly vigor- 
ous, and Doris appeared to think it very 
comical as she rose to her feet while the boys 
were scrambling about on the sand, too thor- 
oughly confused to understand for several sec- 
onds that in order to gain relief it would only 
be necessary to follow Doris^ example. 

** I wonder if this is the way Captain Ezra 
meant that we should bear to the suth^rd ? 
Doris cried as soon as her mirth had subsided 
sufficiently for her to speak, and by this time 
the boys were on their feet, standing knee-deep 
in the water. 

I am glad you can see something funny in 
a shipwreck, Sam said stiffiy as he tried to 
comb, with his fingers, the water out of his 
hair. 

** But it isn’t a shipwreck,” Doris replied 
23 


24 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


gravely. It is what Professor Andy would 
very properly call a turnover.’^ 

“ Doris isn^t half as funny as she seems to 
believe, but she^s in the right about turning 
the boat over,^^ Sam said, his ill-temper van- 
ishing very rapidly before the girPs good 
humor. Come on, Phil, you're no wetter 
now than you will be after helping me right 
the ship, so bear a hand, and then we'll tow 
her nearer to the shore." 

Doris offered to do what she might in the 
way of furthering the work ; but Phil quite 
curtly advised her to go ashore and “dry her- 
self off," a bit of advice which she disdained 
to follow until the boat had been put in more 
seaworthy shape. 

Then, with the bow of the little craft hauled 
high up on the sand, where there could be no 
danger the current would carry her away. 
Professor Andy's pupils consulted together as 
to what should be the next move. 

Phil believed they ought to embark at once, 
giving no further heed to the wreck of the 
“ Princess," and return home in order to pro- 
cure other clothing ; but to this Doris objected, 
on the ground that by the time all this had 


25 


The Bargain 

been done their garments would be thoroughly 
dried by the sun, therefore nothing would have 
been gained. 

“ By walking around here, where it is so 
warm, with never a breath of wind, we can get 
rid of the moisture, which will be much better 
than hanging ourselves out to dry at home. 
Why not have a look at the wreck, and, then, if 
you still feel that you are needed elsewhere, 

we can go back without having wasted 

Mercy on us I No one gave any heed to the 
food, and it has either drifted away or sunk 
to the bottom of the gulf ! ” 

“ Let it go ! Who wants to eat so soon after 
lunch, and when he is dripping wet? Phil 
cried impatiently, and Doris replied with con- 
siderable more than the suspicion of a smile 
on her face : 

‘‘ He who doesn’t want what he can’t get 
is a very wise boy. Of course, salt water 
wouldn’t hurt the pickles, and there’s no rea- 
son why I shouldn’t wade out and get them. 
They must be on the sand very near where the 
boat turned over, for the basket couldn’t float.” 

‘‘You’ll do nothing of the kind, Doris 
Newcome. It is bad enough to be in this 


26 The Wreck of the Princess” 


plight without your trying to make it worse I 
Phil cried in a tone of authority. “ WeVe 
either got to go home at once or set about dry- 
ing our clothes.’’ 

That last will soon be done if we walk 
around, as Doris has said,” Sam cried suddenly, 
as if he had just awakened to the fact that he 
was wet. Why not have a look at the wreck, 
now we are here ? ” 

Do as you choose,” Phil replied, and a 
stranger might have fancied from his tone that 
one of his companions had done something to 
displease him. 

Then we’ll look at the wreck. That must 
be it over there, where we can see the poles 
sticking out of the water.” 

The small spars could be seen above the 
surface of the water less than a quarter of a 
mile away, and since these were the only in- 
dications of the wreck, it seemed certain the 
Princess ” would be found at that place. 

In this supposition Professor Andy’s very 
wet pupils were not at fault, and within fifteen 
minutes after continuing the journey. Captain 
Ezra’s boat was alongside one of the spars, 
where Phil held her steady while he and his 


The Bargain 27 

companions could see quite clearly the sunken 
craft. 

To all appearance she was a dainty little 
boat, perhaps thirty feet long and unusually 
broad of beam, thus showing that she had been 
built to minister to the comfort of her passen- 
gers rather than for speed. 

She must have been a beauty ! ’’ Sam ex- 
claimed with a long indrawing of the breath 
that was very like a sigh, and Doris cried 
sadly : 

** What a shame to let her lie there and be 
destroyed ! Isn’t it possible to pull her to the 
top of the water ? ” 

Of course it is,” and Phil spoke confidently, 
as if he were an old, experienced wrecker. 

What’s that you say ? ” a voice came from 
the shore, only a short distance away, and, 
looking up in surprise, the young people saw 
a gentleman, with a gun over his shoulder and 
a dog at his feet, who was evidently just going 
or returning from hunting, although what he 
could have found in that neighborhood to 
shoot would have puzzled Professor Andy’s 
pupils to decide. So you think she could 
be raised, eh ? ” 


28 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


‘‘ Why not, sir Phil asked almost sharply. 

The water isn^t deep here, and she wasn^t 
smashed very badly. 

How do you know ? ” 

Well, that's what I have heard," Phil re- 
plied with no little of confusion. 

Why don't you try your hand at it ? " the 
gentleman asked quickly. 

‘‘Why don't I?" Phil repeated in amaze- 
ment. “ She doesn't belong to me, else I'd had 
a try for it the very day after she went down." 

“ Are you the young people I have seen at 
Edward Newcome's cottage ? " 

“ Yes, sir." 

“ What brought you so far from home ? " 

“ We came down to see the wreck, and 
Captain Ezra told us to bear to the suth'rd 
when we came into the Inlet, which made the 
boat tip us out, and that's why we're so wet," 
Doris replied laughingly. 

“ If you bore well to the south before com- 
ing in, you would have found plenty of 
water, and there could have been no excuse 
for capsizing," the gentleman said with a laugh, 
and Sam exclaimed, as if he had suddenly 
solved a knotty problem : 


29 


The Bargain 

So suth^rd means south ? I thought it 
was only a sailor's way of speaking, to show 
that he knew all about ships, and instead of 
rowing as far south as possible we tried to 
come into the Inlet around the northerly 
point." 

** And struck the bar, as a matter of course," 
the gentleman added with a hearty laugh. 

So you young people, who don't under- 
stand what an old sailor means when he says 
* suth'rd,' fancy you could raise that boat, 
eh?" 

** Perhaps we couldn't, sir," Phil replied 
with considerably less of confidence in his tone 
than when he had spoken before. ^‘If she 
was our boat, though, we'd make a try for it 
rather than let her lie there at the bottom of 
the sea to be destroyed." 

She shall be yours, if you can raise her." 

** What ! " the three cried in amazement. 

** I said she should be yours if you could 
raise her without assistance from any other 
person." 

‘‘Are you Mr. Bragg of New York, sir?" 
Doris cried. 

“ I am. Miss Newcome, and if you and the 


30 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


lads with you can, unaided, raise the ‘ Princess,^ 
she shall be your property. In fact. I'll give 
you this minute what will answer as a deed, 
if you'll pull ashore to get it." 

But why are you willing to give such 
a beautiful boat away, sir?" Doris asked 
in surprise, and Mr. Bragg replied, laugh- 
ingly : 

For two or three very good reasons. The 
first is that at present she is only a wreck, 
although I am willing to admit that but little 
in the way of repairs would be necessary to 
make her seaworthy, once she was on the sur- 
face. Then again, it comes precious near be- 
ing dull work, loafing around down in this 
country of sand simply because a doctor gets 
it in his head that I need a long time of rest. 
If you young people should set about this job 
of wrecking, I'd have something with which 
to occupy my attention, better than roaming 
around trying to make myself believe I'm 
hunting. Is it a bargain ? " 

“ Meaning that we'll try to raise the * Prin- 
cess ' ? " Sam asked incredulously. 

Meaning exactly what I said." 

** Then you can bet it's a bargain ! " Phil 


3 * 


The Bargain 

cried emphatically, and on the instant Mr. 
Bragg drew from his pocket a small book, out 
of which he tore a leaf. 

Here’s what will answer for a bill of sale, 
as well as an authorization for you to take 
possession, so far as may be possible, of the 
^ Princess,’ ” and when Mr. Bragg began to 
write on a blank leaf of paper, Sam pulled 
the boat toward the shore, working vigorously 
at the oars as though fearing the gentleman 
might reconsider the proposition if he did not 
reach the beach within the shortest possible 
space of time. 

The document was ready for them when 
the boat’s bow grated on the sand, and Mr. 
Bragg handed it to Doris, as he said : 

I have left blank spaces in which you can 
write your names, for, owing to the fact that 
we have never been introduced to each other, 
all I know about you is that one or more bear 
the name of Newcome. Take the pencil and 
complete the document, after which it would 
be a good idea to read it aloud, so that all may 
know how much, or how little, I have given 
you.” 

Doris did as he directed, and when she had 


32 The Wreck of the “Princess” 

written in the names of her companions and 
herself, read the following : 

**BayvieWy Florida^ December 18y 19 — . 

On the day when Philip Newcome, Sam- 
uel Norris and Doris Newcome shall succeed, 
unaided, in raising the power boat ‘ Princess ^ 
to the surface from where she now lies under 
water, I, Carl Bragg, owner, hereby agree, for 
myself, my heirs and assigns, to execute and 
deliver to the said Philip Newcome, Samuel 
Norris and Doris Newcome, a true and lawful 
deed, conveying unto them, their heirs and 
assigns, all my right, title and interest in the 
said power boat. 

(Signed) Gael Bragg.^’ 

** I reckon that binds me all right. If you 
young people can raise the ^ Princess ^ without 
aid from any person, she^s yours, and I^m free 
to confess that there isn^t a better craft of her 
size to be found in these waters. Now do you 
think it can be done? 

If we fail it won’t be from lack of trying,” 
Sam replied emphatically, and Doris asked : 

Would you decide that we had had aid 


The Bargain 33 

from any person if we asked for advice — say 
from Captain Ezra ? 

Get all the advice you can, for it shan^t 
count against you. It would also be lawful to 
hire other persons to bring here material with 
which you might want to work. The stipula- 
tion is that you shall raise the craft unaided, 
meaning without actual labor on the part of 
any other person. For instance, you could 
hire some one to bring you down here ; to 
supply you with food ; to raft timbers, or 
anything short of sharing in the real work of 
wrecking. 1^11 be around from day to day, 
after you have begun the job, and can give 
fair warning if, in my opinion, you are going 
outside the contract. I reckon the chance to 
watch you young people try to raise a thirty- 
foot boat will be worth, while the time is 
hanging so heavily on my hands, all I paid 
for the * Princess.’ ” 

Then, without any word of adieu, and as 
if he washed his hands of the whole affair, 
Mr. Bragg walked away, the gun over his 
shoulder and the dog following close at his 
heels. 


CHAPTER III 


SEEKING ADVICE 

The three young people from Germantown 
sat silent and motionless staring after Mr. 
Bragg and his dog, until at least half a minute 
had passed, and then Sam said with a deep in- 
drawing of the breath : 

That man must be dead crazy ! I wonder 
if there’s any kind of a string to this busi- 
ness ? ” 

^^What business?” Doris asked curiously. 

Giving us the ^ Princess.’ It doesn’t seem 
as if a man would throw away such a craft as 
she appears to be. Even though he didn’t 
want to have a hand in raising her, it’s safe to 
say she could have been sold just as she lies 
for quite a sum of money.” 

Surely he told you the reason why,” Doris 
said quite sharply. “ He has come down here 
in the hope of regaining his health, and, 
because of having nothing better to do, is 
willing to give us the ^ Princess ’ in order to 
34 


Seeking Advice 35 

have an opportunity of watching U8 trying to 
raise her/' 

“ It seems to me he is ready to give a good 
deal for what may be a very poor show," and 
Sam rubbed his chin reflectively, as if by so 
doing he could solve what seemed much like 
a mystery. 

I can't see that you need worry very 
much about Mr. Bragg," Doris interrupted 
impatiently. He has given us the boat, and 
instead of sitting here wondering why he did 
it, we ought to be finding out how to go to 
work. It would be truly dreadful if we 
couldn't raise the * Princess,' for just think of 
how much we’ll be missing if she stays under 
the water ! What fun we’d have, sailing in 
her every day after lunch time I " 

This last suggestion caused Sam to give 
over wondering why the gentleman from New 
York had been so generous, and he set about 
laying plans for the future, when they could 
cruise in the Princess " at their own sweet 
will. 

It strikes me we'd better get her afloat 
before telling what we'll be able to accom- 
plish," Phil cried sharply. It's certain we 


36 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


can^t do very much in the way of cruising 
while she is at the bottom of the -sea, and at 
present we don^t even know how to set about 
raising her. I^m thinking it would be quite 
a job for men who understood all about such 
matters, and if we do succeed in earning her, 
according to the agreement, a good deal of 
hard work will be necessary.^^ 

How are you going to begin ? ** Doris 
asked eagerly. 

** That^s what weVe got to find out. Per- 
haps Captain Ezra will tell us how to do it.^^ 
If Professor Andy knows half as much as 
he claims, he ought to give us all the advice 
that will be needed, Doris suggested, and 
Sam laughed boisterously at such a proposi- 
tion. 

Professor Andy I All his knowledge is 
such as can be found in books, and we need 
some one who is familiar with the work of 
wrecking.^^ 

“ You won^t find him by staying here, that^s 
certain,” and Doris spoke impatiently, for to 
thus have her suggestion treated with derision 
was by no means to her liking. I want to 
hear what father thinks of the idea. Maybe 


Seeking Advice 37 

he won't agree to let us undertake such a task ; 
he may say it isn’t fit work for girls.” 

‘‘ And he’ll be right,” Phil replied de- 
cidedly. Of course, Mr. Bragg was only 
making sport when he said you were to have 
a share in the business.” 

It doesn’t make any difference whether 
he was making sport or not, so long as he put 
my name in the agreement, or told me to do 
it.” 

But he didn’t expect that you would do 
anything toward raising the boat. We’ll let 
you come down once in a while and watch 

It is written here that I am to have a 
share in the boat if I help get her afloat, and 
unless father or mother prevents me, I shall 
do my part toward raising her.” 

It won’t take a great while to find out 
about that part of it,” Phil said determinedly, 
as if he were fully decided that a girl could 
not take any part in wrecking operations. 

We’ll go home and talk it over ; but Pro- 
fessor Andy isn’t to have a chance to stick his 
nose in.” 

Sam would have lingered to discuss the 


38 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


matter more fully ; but now Phil demanded 
that the return voyage be begun without 
delay, therefore his comrade could do no less 
than yield to his wishes. 

This time, however, having learned by 
bitter experience the meaning of bearing to 
the suth’rd,” the little boat was pulled well 
down the bar until she could cross without 
danger of striking the sand. 

Captain Ezra was standing on the float 
when they pulled in alongside, and it was 
only natural his first question should be : 
Well, did you young folks see the wreck ? ” 

“ That’s what we did, and she belongs to 
us now, or will after we get her afloat I ” Phil 
cried triumphantly, as he leaped out of the 
boat without waiting to learn whether his 
sister needed assistance. 

'' Belongs to you ? ” Captain Ezra repeated 
in perplexity. Have your fathers been 
buyin’ a sunken craft ? ” 

We met Mr. Bragg, and he gave us a 
paper showing that she should be ours as 
soon as we had got her afloat without help 
from anybody.” 

“Oh, that’s the way of it, eh? I reckon 


Seeking Advice 39 

Mr. Bragg was feelin’ kinder funny when he 
made that bargain. 

What do you mean?^^ Sam asked 
sharply. ** Don^t you think we can do it ? 

Well, seein’s you haven’t had much ex- 
perience in sich work, I’m allowin’ that it’ll 
be quite a job. How did Mr. Bragg happen 
to make sich a one-sided trade ? ” 

He said it was dull for him down here, 
and he could amuse himself watching us 
work,” Doris replied, and Captain Ezra in- 
dulged in a very broad grin as he said half 
to himself : 

If he’s allowin’ to spend the rest of his 
days in Florida, I reckon he’ll be able to 
spin out his fun for quite a spell.” 

Then you don’t think we can raise her ? ” 
Doris asked anxiously. 

I’m allowin’ it’ll take quite a time, an’ 
perhaps you young folks will have enough of 
sich fun before your people get ready to leave 
here.” 

You’ll see whether we can raise her or 
not,” and now Sam spoke in his aged-uncle 
tone. We shall set about the work at once, 
and of course will need a boat, therefore the 


40 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


only matter which need trouble you is as to 
how much you will charge for one, unless, as 
may be possible, our fathers decide to buy a 
craft that can be used in wrecking/^ 

‘‘I’ll think it over, lad, an’ let you know 
later,” the captain said, and one might have 
thought that he was struggling to prevent a 
laugh from overspreading his face. 

“ I don’t think it is very nice of him to 
make sport of us,” Doris said when the three, 
having paid for the use of the boat, were 
walking rapidly in the direction of their 
winter home. “ He acts as if we were silly 
to try to think of raising the ‘ Princess.’ ” 

“He’s jealous because Mr. Bragg didn’t 
give him the chance,” Sam said loftily. 
“ We’ll soon show what we can do, and after 
she is afloat, we’ll sail around here every little 
while to let him see how great a mistake he 
made.” 

Until this meeting with Captain Ezra there 
had been no question in the minds of the 
young people of raising the “ Princess ” 
unaided ; but now they had fallen into a 
thoughtful mood, and very little conversation 
was indulged in until after arriving at their 


Seeking Advice 41 

home, where Mr. Newcome and Mr. Norris 
were found on the veranda studying the 
market reports in the newspapers which had 
just been delivered at the house. 

Phil, eager to impart the good news, hur- 
riedly told the story. 

“ I can^t see that we need give much 
thought to the matter,’^ Mr. Newcome said. 

It will be time enough for Mr. Norris and 
me to take a hand in the affair after you have 
floated the wreck.*' 

“ But we need your permission to begin the 
work," Doris insisted, and her father replied 
with a laugh : 

Very well, you have it, and perhaps Mr. 
Norris and I may have as much amusement 
out of the matter as will Mr. Bragg." 

^‘Then you don't believe we can do it?" 
Doris asked tearfully. 

Perhaps I should have more faith if you 
told just how you were going to set about the 
work." 

Doris looked toward her brother and Sam, 
in the hope they would answer the question, 
and since both remained silent she replied : 

We believed you could tell us. Mr. Bragg 


42 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


said we might get advice from any one, or 
hire men to take to the Inlet what would be 
needed, but that we must do all the work our- 
selves/^ 

And by making such a bargain he doesn^t 
run much risk of losing his boat,^^ Mr. Norris 
said with a hearty laugh. I can^t see any 
reason why you children shouldn't spend 
your idle time at the Inlet, if that be your 
pleasure ; but it strikes me you won’t stick at 
the work of wrecking many days.” 

“May we hire a boat from Captain Ezra? 
Of course, we must have one, else we can’t 
work on the wreck,” and Sam’s tone was a 
mournful one, for he had not expected his 
father would be so cruel as to make sport of the 
plan, much as Captain Ezra had done. 

“ Yes, you may make a trade for a boat, and 
we will see that the bills are paid, but I am 
not certain either Mr. Newcome or I is willing 
to say that we will finance all the wrecking 
schemes.” 

Phil was not minded to hear anything more 
against the plan, which had sounded so allur- 
ing when laid out by Mr. Bragg, and he 
beckoned for his companions to follow him 


Seeking Advice 43 

into the garden, where they might hold a 
private discussion on the matter. 

** What^l we do if every one makes sport 
of us ? Sam asked soberly. I believe we 
could raise the ^ Princess * if somebody would 
tell us how ; but now that your father and 
mine don't seem inclined, and Captain Ezra 
is too jealous to do so, what's to be done? " 

Why don't we find out what Professor 
Andy says about it? " Doris asked hopefully, 
and Phil replied with a fine accent of scorn : 

‘‘ What's the use ? All he knows is what's 
to be found in books and we're after the 
facts." 

Perhaps he knows more than we think," 
Doris said doubtfully. ‘^At all events, it 
won't do any harm to talk about it with him, 
since there is no one else to whom we can go." 

Neither Phil nor Sam were in favor of 
acting upon her suggestion, for the very good 
reason that it seemed useless to ask such a 
bookworm as Professor Andy for practical 
advice, but, as Doris had said, there was none 
other to whom they could go, and surely no 
harm would come of it. 

He'll either tell us not to trouble him 


44 


The Wreck of the ^Trincess” 


with foolish matters, or else laugh, as all the 
others have done,” Sam said almost sulkily, 
as he followed Doris and Phil into the house, 
where they knew Mr. Barclay would be 
found poring over some stupid book when he 
might be out-of-doors enjoying himself. 

“ You are to do the talking,” Phil said to 
Doris. ** I won’t waste my breath when I 
know to a certainty that no good can come 
of it.” 

Thus it was that when the young people 
found the professor, with his “ nose in a 
book,” as Sam said scornfully, Doris told the 
story with no little of detail, hardly expecting 
he would give any heed to the recital. 

If Mr. Barclay had stood on his head then 
and there the young people could not have 
been more surprised than they were when he, 
instead of laughing at the proposition or 
scolding because of being disturbed, suddenly 
sat up and took notice,” displaying great 
interest in the matter. 

A sunken boat to be raised ? ” he said, 
questioningly. “ It isn’t a difficult task, 
although some of the work may be too heavy 
for you young people.” 


Seeking Advice 45 

Then you believe it can be done ? ” Sam 
asked, hesitatingly, for it did not seem to him 
possible that such a bookworm as Mr. Barclay 
could be interested in the work of wrecking. 

I know it can be done, and you should be 
able to work out the problem yourself, if you 
have given proper attention to your books.” 

To our books I ” Phil repeated, in sur- 
prise. What have they got to do with rais- 
ing a wreck ? ” 

I havenT looked into the matter as yet,” 
Mr. Barclay said, thoughtfully, but it strikes 
me that we ought to get all the information 
needed without very much trouble. In the 
first place, how large is the boat ? How much 
water does she displace ? And what is the 
probable weight as she lies at the bottom ? It 
will be necessary to first ascertain these facts 
as nearly as may be, and then we can set 
about making our calculations.” 

That Mr. Barclay was interested in such 
work as wrecking was so astounding to the 
young people that it was a full half minute 
before any one made reply, and then Doris 
said, as if uncertain whether it was not all a 
dream : 


46 The Wreck of the Princess’^ 


Of course, we can^t answer those ques- 
tions. I suppose we could find out by going 
down there again how large she is, for Mr. 
Bragg would be likely to know. But who 
could tell how much she weighs ? 

That should be a simple question in arith- 
metic, if you know her length and depth, the 
size of her motor and the approximate amount 

of fittings on board ” 

Would you go down there and look at 
her, professor ? Doris asked hesitatingly, 
and much to the surprise of all the bookworm 
replied briskly with no little enthusiasm : 

“ Certainly, I'll go with you very gladly. 
Make your preparations and we will go after 
study hours to-morrow morning." 


CHAPTER IV 


PROFESSOR ANDY^S EXCURSION 

It is a question whether Professor Andy 
could have said or done anything which 
would have caused the possible owners of the 
Princess more surprise. 

“ Would you ever have believed anything 
could have stirred up that old fossil to such 
an extent Sam asked of his comrades, 
when the professor had ** gone into his shell 
once more, with apparently no idea that this 
world contained more than a book. 

He^s getting a brain-storm, that^s what^s 
the matter with him ! Phil said emphatic- 
ally. ** The idea of his getting into a boat ! 
I really believe he^l tumble out, if we don't 
tie him down to one of the seats. What does 
he know about wrecks? Then, again, the 
nerve it must have taken to try to make 
us believe he could tell how much the 
^ Princess ' weighs while she is lying at the 
bottom of the Inlet I " 


47 


48 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Perhaps we have made a mistake in 
Professor Andy/* Doris added, laughingly. 

He must know something about such 
things, or he wouldn’t go down there to 
make a spectacle of himself before us. I’m 
really expecting he will blossom out strong 
when it comes to raising yachts.” 

'' He may have my hat if he can tell the 
bow from the stern, even when the propeller 
blades are in full view ! ” and Sam gave way 
to a fit of mirth that threatened to choke him 
speedily. 

The longer the young people discussed the 
matter the more certain did it seem that Mr. 
Barclay had made some mistake. Sam in- 
sisted he was so deep in the book that he 
failed to hear anything about a motor boat, 
but got the impression that at the Inlet would 
be found some intricate problem which might 
be solved instead of a sunken yacht, and so 
strong did this doubt become that it was 
finally decided Doris should ascertain with- 
out delay whether he really intended to de- 
scend to anything so commonplace as the 
raising of a wreck. 

I’ll ask him,” she said, merrily, when 



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Professor Andy’s Excursion 49 

Sam and her brother insisted that it was the 
duty of some one to learn how much the 
professor had understood of the proposition. 
“ But I^m counting on his showing himself 
a real person when we get him away from 
books.^’ 

Five minutes later, standing before the 
professor, she asked demurely, with never 
the ghost of a smile on her face : 

“ Is it understood beyond any possibility 
of mistake that you are to give us some ad- 
vice about raising the ^ Princess,^ professor?” 

“ I suppose so,” and the bookworm looked 
up at her in surprise. As I heard the in- 
vitation, it was that I go to the Inlet with 
you after study hours in the morning, and 
there look at a sunken steamer.” 

That was it, but the boys feared you 
might change your mind, so I came to make 
certain, for if you are really going we shall 
need double the number of pickles.” 

DonT give yourself any uneasiness about 
food for me. Miss Doris. The merest trifle 
is enough to satisfy my hunger, and, as a 
matter of fact, I am anticipating so much 
pleasure from the excursion that I would 


§0 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


willingly go fasting, rather than not go at 
all/^ 

Then Doris ran at full speed into the 
garden, where Sam and Phil were awaiting 
her, arriving at the rendezvous with so much 
of laughter in her voice that it was several 
seconds before she could speak intelligibly. 

'' He^s willing to go without his luncheon 
for the sake of being with us I she exclaimed 
at length. Do you know, he is almost ex- 
cited by the idea of raising the ' Princess ^ I ” 

“ Something is the matter with his head, 
thaPs certain ! Sam cried in a tone of con- 
viction. When a worm like that crawls 
out of a book and talks about floating wrecked 
yachts, iPs time real people sat up and took 
notice.” 

“ You boys will feel small if he shows that 
he knows all about such things,” Doris sug- 
gested, and her brother replied with a sigh : 

If anything of that kind should happen, 
we’ll agree that we really are small, and take 
off our hats to him whenever he passes. 
Now suppose, instead of talking about such 
impossibilities as Professor Andy’s knowing 
anything about yachts, we try to decide how 


Professor Andy’s Excursion 51 

we can set about earning the ‘ Princess/ for 
she won^t be ours till we have raised her to 
the surface/^ 

From that moment until they were snug- 
gled away in bed the young people spent 
their time discussing ways and means, but 
without arriving at any satisfactory con- 
clusion. 

They had not the slightest idea of how a 
boat as large as the Princess could be 
brought to the surface, particularly when 
there was, in all probability, a very large 
hole in her bow. Nor could they imagine 
what might be the first step necessary toward 
performing such a task. 

“ The only thing I can think of,^^ said Sam 
dismally, ** is to roll her over and over until 
we get her near shore.^^ 

“ A nice job that would be,^^ grunted Phil. 

Once, while they were deeply engaged in 
fruitless conversation, Mr. Barclay came up, 
as if minded to join them, but they gave 
him no encouragement, and he went away 
again, looking really disappointed. 

Nothing had been done by them next 
morning when they presented themselves to 


52 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


the professor for the daily work, and already 
had the boys begun to fear that the little 
yacht might never be theirs. 

This doubt as to their own powers did not 
prevent them, however, from being eager to 
set off for the Inlet as soon after the study 
hours had come to an end as it was possible 
to swallow very hurriedly the noonday lunch- 
eon, and to the amusement of Doris, Mr. Bar- 
clay was in equally as great haste to begin 
the journey. 

Doris had provided herself with another 
basket, in which was an ample supply of pro- 
visions, and this the professor insisted in 
carrying, whereas, on the previous day, neither 
Phil nor Sam had offered to relieve her of the 
burden. 

The two boys hastened on in advance, to 
have the boat ready, so they said, therefore 
Doris and the bookworm were left alone, and 
she was more than astonished at finding that 
he could, whenever the fit seized him, talk of 
something besides books. 

He told her of Florida and its early people, 
speaking of some matters with which she was 
already somewhat familiar, and of many which 


Professor Andy’s Excursion 53 

were not entirely new, but very interesting, 
and the result was that they arrived at 
Captain Ezra’s boat-house before it seemed 
to her that they had really started on the 
mile tramp. 

“ He’s like a peanut, a good deal nicer than 
he looks,” she whispered to Sam when they 
were making ready to embark in the boat 
which had been engaged for the wrecking 
operations, and the lad replied with a mean- 
ing smile : 

He’ll go to sleep before we get half-way 
to the Inlet, and forget that he ever agreed to 
come with us.” 

An instant later Sam Norris received as 
great a surprise as if a bucket of cold water 
had suddenly and unexpectedly been poured 
down his back, for Mr. Barclay said in a 
matter-of-fact tone, as he picked up the oars 
with the air of an expert : 

I’ll pull you down there. Jump in.” 

Then Doris really forgot her good manners, 
for she asked in astonishment : 

Why, professor I Do you know how to 
row a boat ? ” 

“ I was a member of the college crew four 


54 


The Wreck of the Princess” 


years, and should have some slight idea of how 
it is done/^ 

It certainly seemed as if the worm was be- 
ginning to turn, and in a way that was least 
expected. 

In much less than half the time it had taken 
Sam to row from the boat-house to the mouth 
of the Inlet, Professor Andy made the voyage, 
and, looking over his shoulder as he drew near 
to where the Princess’^ lay submerged, asked 
carelessly : 

'' How far does that bar make off? ” 

What bar? Phil asked as if he had never 
heard of such a thing before. 

The one that stretches across the mouth of 
the Inlet.^^ 

How did you know one was there ? 

Any simpleton would understand that by 
the lay of the land,^^ Professor Andy replied 
with a real laugh. Do you know the chan- 
nel ? ’’ 

Captain Ezra said we must bear well to 
the suth’rd,^’ Doris replied quickly, and the 
pale-faced professor seemed to consider that 
sufficient information had been given, for he 
kept the boat outside until they nearly reached 


Professor Andy’s Excursion 55 

the southern shore, when he pulled her sharply 
in, making the passage, as Phil afterward said, 
as if he could see the bottom.” 

The bookworm did not need to be told where 
the Princess ” lay, for, once inside the Inlet, 
he gave a long look around and then pulled 
the boat straight for the spars which showed 
above water, saying as he ran alongside them : 

We^d best make the boat fast here, for it 
will take us some time to work out the problem 
the owner of the yacht has set us.” 

Deftly he acted upon his own suggestions, 
and in a twinkling was leaning over the rail 
gazing down at the sunken craft. 

He remained silent so long that Phil, mak- 
ing certain he had forgotten they were there 
as wreckers, not sleepers, asked with a laugh : 

Do you remember what we came here for, 
professor ? ” 

“ We have here a most interesting problem, 
and I was trying to see how nearly we could 
solve it before going down.” 

Down where ? ” 

To the wreck, of course. We must know 
how much damage has been done to the hull 
before it will be possible to work intelligently.” 


56 The Wreck of the ^‘Princess’’ 


Do you mean that you can go down there 
and fumble around the ‘ Princess’ ’ bow ? ” 
Sam asked, opening his eyes very wide. 

Why not? The water is shallow, and he 
would be a poor kind of a fellow who couldn’t 
learn all that was needed by diving three or 
four times,” the professor replied, as if he con- 
sidered the question needless. 

Could you do it? ” 

Certainly. In fact, I came prepared, by 
putting on a bathing suit under my ordinary 
clothing. We will go ashore, leave Miss Doris 
with her basket of provisions, and then come 
back to play the part of divers.” 

The bookworm did not wait to learn whether 
such a proposition might be pleasing to his 
pupils, but cast off the painter and pulled 
straight for the shore, running the boat’s bow 
up on the sand in a seamanlike manner. 

Then he went further up the shore to a 
clump of palmetto palms, disappearing behind 
them a few seconds, to reappear in bathing 
costume, the boys remaining idle in the boat 
meanwhile, too much astonished at such an 
exhibition on the part of one whose nose they 
believed was firmly glued to a book. 


Professor Andy’s Excursion 57 

It was evident Professor Andy did not in- 
tend that many minutes should be wasted 
while this work of wrecking was to be done, 
for he shoved the boat into deep water, leaping 
into her as she slid off the sand, and took up the 
oars again as if every moment was precious. 

** I shall probably be forced to go down 
several times in order to learn all that will be 
necessary for our purpose,’^ he said as he pulled 
vigorously toward the spars that were showing 
above the surface. You boys must brace the 
boat against the impetus of my dive so she 

will not be overturned 

That part of it will be easy enough,’^ Sam 
interrupted in a tone that was almost scornful. 

You mustn^t think, professor, that because 
we asked you to help us we haven^t any idea 
of such work.^^ 

So much the better if you are accustomed 
to it,^^ the bookworm said in a tone of satisfac- 
tion, ** for we will be able to finish the task all 
the more quickly. Do what you can to pre- 
vent the boat from taking in water when I go 
over, because there is no need of making mat- 
ters disagreeable for Miss Doris by wetting 
everything.^' 


58 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


By the time he ceased speaking the little 
craft was alongside the spars, and he made her 
fast as if all his life had been spent on board 
ships or small boats. 

Then, after leaning over the rail a few sec- 
onds to make certain how the wreck was 
situated, he stood upright, saying in a sharp 
tone which had in it no resemblances to the 
voice of Professor Andy : 

“ Now then ! Look after yourselves I and 
he went over the rail with both hands above 
his head, the palms pressed together, in a man- 
ner that would have provoked admiration 
from any one who was at all partial to aquatic 
sports. 

Sam, who claimed to know all about han- 
dling a boat while another was making a 
straightaway plunge, was just rising to his feet, 
somewhat lazily, when Professor Andy went 
overboard, and, because of not being pre- 
pared for the sudden push given the craft, 
he tumbled over the rail almost on the heels 
of the bookworm who had so suddenly 
turned diver. 

There came a cry of alarm from Doris; a 
half-smothered exclamation from the victim. 


Professor Andy’s Excursion 59 

and a shrill scream from Phil, while poor Sam 
sank like a stone, as if he, too, was minded to 
ascertain what damage had been done to the 
hull of the ** Princess/^ 


CHAPTER V 


EEPAIKING DAMAGES 

Falling overboard from the boat in deep 
water was an entirely different thing from 
tumbling out of her when she lay over the bar 
aground, as had been the case on the day pre- 
vious, and this fact was speedily made apparent 
to Sam. 

It seemed to him as if he sank a full half 
mile into the sea before striking bottom, and 
then, at the very moment when he felt con- 
vinced he would be drowned, a strong hand 
gripped him by the coat collar. 

Mr. Barclay had but just reached the bottom, 
bent on examining the hull of the ‘^Princess,^^ 
when he heard a splash, and, turning quickly, 
saw a dark body between himself and the 
light. 

Bookworm though he was, he understood in 
a twinkling that one of the boys had fallen 
overboard, and sprang upward to meet the un- 
fortunate lad as he came down. 

60 


Repairing Damages 6i 

To Doris, who had leaped to her feet in 
alarm, it seemed as if Sam had no more than 
disappeared when she saw the head and 
shoulders of the tutor come above the surface, 
followed almost immediately by the splutter- 
ing Sam, and her fright was suddenly changed 
to mirth, for the lad certainly presented a most 
comical appearance, with his hair wetted 
smooth to his head, and the water trickling 
in many a tiny stream down his face. 

Here I Where are you going? Phil cried 
excitedly, as Mr. Barclay, instead of coming 
toward the boat, swam vigorously for the shore, 
dragging Sam behind him. 

“ He'll have to be left on the sand to dry," 
the tutor replied, in a tone which caused Doris 
to suspect he was enjoying hugely this life- 
saving act. If I had realized that you boys 
didn't know how to take care of yourselves 
when I went overboard, I would have done 
the trick alone." 

Sam was none the worse for his involuntary 
bath, as could be seen when he had been 
dragged high and well upon the beach ; but 
he wore a shamefaced look as he scrambled 
to his feet, not that he had fallen overboard. 


62 The Wreck of the Princess” 


but because Professor Andy, the fossil and 
bookworm, had pulled him out. Then again, 
he had prided himself on being a fairly good 
imitation of a seasoned seaman, and yet this 
same stoop-shouldered young fellow had inti- 
mated that he did not know how to take care 
of himself. 

Sam was not feeling comfortable in mind, 
and when Doris asked solicitously whether 
there was anything she could do in his behalf, 
he growled at her and ran behind the clump 
of palmetto palms, where Mr. Barclay had 
taken off his clothing, there disappearing from 
view. 

** There^s no reason why I shouldnT go out 
in the boat,'^ Doris said after making certain 
that Sam was about to suffer from an attack 
of the sulks. It wonT do me any harm if I 
do get wet a little, and I must see you under 
the water.'^ 

“ It would be a serious matter if you should 
fall overboard, as Sam did,” Mr. Barclay said 
hesitatingly, and Doris fancied that he was on 
the point of yielding to her desire. 

But I shan’t do anything of the kind,” 
she said decidedly. I know enough not to 


Repairing Damages 63 

try to get up at the very moment you dive, as 
Sam did, and perhaps some one will be needed 
to help Phil handle the boat, for he isn’t what 
you would really call an expert sailor.” 

“ And what’s more, I don’t claim to be,” 
Phil cried with a laugh, having pulled the 
boat to the shore. Doris ought to be allowed 
to come aboard, professor, if Sam has thrown 
up his job, for she’s one of the partners in this 
business, and believes she knows it all.” 

If Miss Doris is certain her mother won’t 
blame me in case she gets wet I have nothing 
more to say,” and as Mr. Barclay spoke, shak- 
ing his head to free his hair from water, Phil 
wondered why it was he had believed that 
the man could be old or stupid. 

With Doris in the stern-sheets and the pro- 
fessor standing in the bow seemingly enjoying 
himself to the utmost, Phil rowed out to where 
the spars, showing above the surface, marked 
the position of the Princess,” and Sam would 
not have been flattered had he known that 
neither his partners nor his tutor had any 
very great care as to how long his fit of the 
sulks lasted. 

Once more the professor gave warning that 


64 The Wreck of the Princess” 


he was going to dive, and both occupants 
of the boat braced themselves accordingly. 
Again he leaped outward, his body bent like 
a bow, and Doris had no difficulty in follow- 
ing with her eyes his descent. 

She saw him strike the bottom a few inches 
forward of the Princess’ ” bow, and, like a 
flash, turn to look at the hull where it was 
supposed the injury would be found. 

Then it was as if he sprang upward, with 
hands firmly clasped to his sides, and in an- 
other instant his head was above the surface. 

Pm not coming aboard,” he said cheerily 
as he supported himself by resting one hand 
on the gunwale. I’m only needing a little 
fresh air and count on going back as soon as 
that has been had.” 

What a fine swimmer you are ! ” Doris 
said admiringly, and Phil, thinking only of 
raising the “ Princess,” asked anxiously : 

Could you see how much of a hole there 
was in the bow ? ” 

The timbers on the port side are stove 
quite badly. There’s no wonder she went 
down quickly after smashing her nose in such 
a fashion.” 


Repairing Damages 65 

“ Then you believe she is more of a wreck 
than we thought/^ Phil said mournfully, and 
the tutor replied with a hearty laugh : 

Don^t get discouraged so quickly. You 
expected some damage, otherwise Mr. Bragg 
would have been able to run her on the beach 
before she could sink ; but, from what I have 
seen, you should raise and repair her within 
a month. I'm going down again now, and 
may find worse injuries ; but it is my opinion 
that the blow on the bow was all that worked 
the mischief." 

Then, releasing his hold on the gunwale, 
Mr. Barclay went down like a stone, just as 
Sam, finding that no attention was paid to 
his sulking, came out from behind the pal- 
mettos as he cried : 

Could he see anything ? " 

Don't talk now I " Doris cried, holding up 
her hand warningly. Wait till he comes out I " 

It seemed a very long while before the 
tutor's head appeared above the surface the 
second time, and then, instead of coming 
toward the boat, he struck out with vigorous 
strokes for the shore, calling over his shoulder 
as he swam : 


66 The Wreck of the Princess” 


I've seen all we need, and am going 
ashore to dress." 

“ Pick up those oars I " Phil cried excitedly, 
as he pushed the boat shoreward from the 
spars. ** I want to be there when he tells 
Sam what he saw." 

Doris obeyed, without stopping to realize 
that there was no great need for haste, and, 
because she had never tried to row a boat 
before, they did not go very fast. 

Mr. Barclay had not only gained the beach, 
but was behind the palmetto palms which 
formed such a convenient dressing-room, when 
the bow of the boat grated on the sand, and 
Sam asked as he pulled her well up on the 
shore : 

‘‘ What did he find out? " 

‘‘ Hasn't he told you ? " 

‘‘ No ; he said it was all right, and then 

made a bee-line for the palms. I " 

Say, his nose ain't stuck as tightly to a 
book as we thought, eh ? Why, that man is 
a regular duck in the water, and you catch 
me making sport of him again ! " 

‘‘ Just because he can dive, you think he's 
something wonderful," and a blind man could 


Repairing Damages 67 

have seen that Sam's temper was none of the 
best just then. 

It wasn't that alone," Phil replied stoutly ; 
but by being willing to help us he has 
shown that he's a decent sort of a fellow, even 
if he does believe everything can be learned 
from a book ! " 

The three were yet discussing the possibility 
that Mr. Barclay was human, like themselves, 
when he appeared from behind the palmettos, 
looking the same uninteresting, plodding stu- 
dent as when they presented themselves before 
him as pupils. 

Well ? " Phil cried impatiently, while he 
was yet some distance away. 

“ Well," he replied with a smile which 
changed the entire expression of his face, 
there isn't anything more to be said. The 
crushed bow-timbers are all that keeps her at 
the bottom of the Inlet, and you lads ought 
not to spend very much time deciding how 
she may be brought to the surface." 

Then you believe we can do it?" Doris 
asked excitedly. 

“ It is only a case of trying good and hard. 
Of course, considerable work will be needed ; 


68 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


but that shouldn't count when the reward is 
to be so great/' 

“ How do you think it can be done? " Sam 
asked, just a bit sharply. 

Wait until we get home, where we can 
figure it out at our leisure," Mr. Barclay re- 
plied. 

When he was seated on the moss, getting 
his full share of the food and eating it with 
the keenest relish, Mr. Barclay lost once more 
his bookworm manner, and even Sam, who 
was yet sore because of the accident, was 
forced to admit privately that he was really 
a good imitation of a jolly fellow." 

Despite all the efforts of the prospective 
owniers of the “ Princess " to draw him out, 
Mr. Barclay steadily refused to say exactly 
how he believed they should set about raising 
the sunken yacht ; but to all their questions 
his reply was the same, that they must do the 
figuring themselves, after he had explained 
how it should be begun. 

It was while he was laughingly evading 
their eager questions that Mr. Bragg, the 
same gun over his shoulder and the same dog 
at his heels, suddenly appeared before them, 


Repairing Damages 69 

and while Sam and Phil stammered and hesi- . 
tated, hardly knowing what should be said to 
the gentleman who had made it possible for 
them to own a dainty motor boat, Doris cried 
laughingly, as she held toward him a tempt- 
ing looking sandwich and a fat pickle : 

Aren^t you hungry ? 

Indeed I am,” and without further cere- 
mony the visitor seated himself by Doris^ 
side, where he ate as greedily as any boy. 

Now tell me what you have done toward 
raising the ^ Princess ’ ? ” he asked after the 
fourth sandwich had disappeared down his 
throat, and Doris explained the purpose of the 
afternoon’s visit, saying in conclusion : 

Professor Andy believed we should figure 
the work out for ourselves ; but thinks it 
won’t be such a very hard task to raise the 
yacht.” 

Is he counting on helping you ? ” 

Certainly not, so far as the real labor goes, 
for you have made it a portion of the bargain 
that we should do all the work ourselves,” 
Doris replied quickly, and Mr. Bragg said 
with no little confusion : 

“ Bless me, I had forgotten that part of it. 


70 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


and came down this afternoon to propose that 
you take me on as one of the laborers. I 
would be willing to work cheaply, and per- 
haps we can alter the terms of the contract so 
far as to admit of your hiring me.” 

Do you mean that you want to help us 
raise your yacht, and then give her to us ? ” 
Doris asked, looking at the gentleman in sur- 
prise. 

Well, yes, it would be something like that. 
I wouldn’t pretend to give any advice, you 
know, and perhaps couldn’t earn very much 
in the way of wages ; but I’d really like to be 
employed.” 

“ You are hired from this minute, if the 
price is not too high,” Doris cried merrily. 
“ You are to take care that no one interferes 
with our property, and to-morrow, when we 
come, you shall have more sandwiches with 
pickles.” 

It was a jolly party by this time, and a 
stranger would have fancied that the young 
people had done Mr. Bragg a very great favor 
when they agreed to let him aid in doing that 
which would cost him the Princess.” 


CHAPTER VI 


LAYING PLANS 

‘‘ To raise the ‘ Princess ^ in the most eco- 
nomical manner, for it is fair to assume that 
you cannot spend any very large amount of 
money in the undertaking, you must find out 
how much lifting power will be required, and 
that of the simplest form,’' Professor Andy 
said in the evening, when the possible owners 
of the yacht joined him in the library for the 
purpose of discussing the matter. 

“Well, have you done that yet?” Sam 
cried almost impatiently, 

“Done what? ” the professor asked in per- 
plexity. 

“ Found out how much lifting power will 
be required, of course.” 

“ Certainly not, nor do I intend to,” was 
the matter-of-fact reply. 

“ But you promised to help us raise the 
‘ Princess ’ ! ” Doris cried, with what was very 
like a sob. 


71 


72 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


“ Very true ; but I said nothing about tak- 
ing entire charge of the matter. I have told 
you what, in my opinion, was the first step 
to be taken, and it is for you 

But how can we tell how much lifting 
power will be needed ? Doris asked sorrow- 
fully. We don’t know anything about such 
things.” 

If you count on raising the ^ Princess,’ it 
is time you gained the necessary knowledge,” 
Mr. Barclay said, in such a tone of superior 
wisdom that Sam came very near losing his 
temper. 

While she is at the bottom of the sea, I 
can’t make out how it would be possible for us 
to learn anything about the power needed,” 
Phil said thoughtfully, and understanding 
the bookworm would at least show them how 
the problem might be worked, if they gave 
evidence of being willing to act upon his 
suggestion. 

'' Well,” Mr. Barclay began, in what Sam 
called his schoolmaster ” tone, you at least 
know her exact size, for Mr. Bragg gave us 
the measurements.” 

“ He said she was thirty-two feet over all. 


Laying Plans 73 

if you know what ‘ over all ’ means/’ Doris 
said quickly. 

It is the measurement taken at the line of 
greatest length, and the overhang of the stern, 
as well as the curve of the bow is included. 
In other words, the expression explains itself, 
for it is the length taken over and including 
every portion of the hull, as distinguished 
from the keel length, or the water line.” 

Then she has a beam of nine feet,” Doris 
continued, still giving signs of perplexity. 

** That means her width amidships I ” Phil 
cried. She draws three and one-half feet of 
water aft, and two feet at the bow, when she’s 
in sailing trim.” 

That is it, as I set down the figures,” Mr. 
Barclay added, much as if he felt a certain 
sense of relief because the young people were 
showing a willingness to help themselves. 

Now I am certain that in your mathematics 
you will find a rule for computing the dis- 
placement of water, and when it has been 
done, it is only necessary to estimate roughly 
the weight of machinery, furniture, and all 
that sort of thing, added to the full cargo of 
water. When you have worked that out un- 


74 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


aided, I will give you my idea of how she 
may be floated without any very great outlay 
of money. 

It was in vain the young people urged that, 
in order to save precious time, he should work 
the problem for them. The bookworm was 
very emphatic in his statement that he did 
not intend to perform any such task, at least 
until they had applied themselves closely 
to it. 

You may set about it now,^^ he said, again 
in his schoolmaster tone, which caused Sam 
so much irritation, and if the problem has 
not been solved by morning we will take it up 
as a portion of to-morrow’s tasks.” 

A full five minutes passed before Sam 
would agree to anything of the kind, because 
he believed Mr. Barclay ought to perform the 
work himself. 

“ What is the use of our spending two or 
three days trying to find out the answer 
when, according to his own account, he could 
give us the figures in a few minutes ? ” 

“ The ‘ use ’ is because we’re bound to do as 
he says if we count on his helping us,” Doris 
replied quickly. If you will only keep 


75 


Laying Plans 

your temper down where it should be the 
professor will come into the scheme, but if 
you ride a high horse he’ll refuse, and then 
who will tell us how the work ought to be 
done ? ” 

“We can ask Captain Ezra,” Sam said 
sulkily. 

“ You have much the same as done that 
already, and got no satisfaction whatever. 
Let’s get to work, and when Professor Andy 
sees that we are really trying to help our- 
selves he’ll soon lend a hand.” 

Phil was convinced that Doris was in the 
right, and at once set about solving the prob- 
lem. His example was sufficient to bring 
Sam around to the proper way of thinking, 
and when the tutor, who had left them alone 
to discuss the matter, came back, all three 
were working industriously. 

When morning came the young people had 
not succeeded in getting the information de- 
sired, but Mr. Barclay, seeing that they were 
working correctly, proposed that one more 
evening be devoted to the task. 

“ There is very much in the way of pre- 
liminary work to be done before we shall be 


76 The Wreck of the Princess” 


ready to act upon the information you are 
striving to obtain, therefore, no time will be 
lost if your task is delayed two or three days,^^ 
the professor said when the forenoon study 
hours had come to an end, and Phil asked in 
surprise : 

What can we do before finding out how 
much power will be needed to raise her ? ” 

“ Well, in the first place, you need a small 
motor boat, for when the heavy work is done 
a craft propelled by oars will not suffice. Then 
it may take considerable time to get empty oil 
casks enough for our purpose 

What have oil casks to do with raising 
the ' Princess ^ ” Doris cried, and the professor 
replied with a laugh : 

Through them we are to get our lifting 
power. It is the most economical way I know 
of and more easily applied here, where you 
cannot find ready at hand the necessary ap- 
pliances in the utilization of other forces. 
When you have solved the problem on which 
you are now working, it will be in order to 
ascertain the lifting power of an oil cask that 
is filled with air after having been sub- 
merged.^^ 


77 


Laying Plans 

“ Look here, professor, you^ll have to put it 
a good deal more plainly than that if you ex- 
pect me to get any idea of what you are 
driving at,'^ Phil cried in a tone of perplexity, 
and the tutor, throwing aside all his school- 
master manners, replied in a tone of comrade- 
ship : 

‘‘ Here is the way I believe the wrecking 
could best be accomplished, in view of the fact 
that you cannot well afford to set about it by 
the most approved methods : We will, after 
ascertaining how many casks may be needed, 
fill them with water sufficient to sink them to 
within two inches of the top. The entire num- 
ber are then to be made fast to the hull of the 
yacht, when the tide is at its lowest point. 

That done, it becomes a question only of 
pumping the water out of the casks, when they 
will have a lifting power sufficient, if you have 
worked the problem correctly, to raise the 
^ Princess ’ from the bottom. Then it will be 
a matter of towing her into shoaler water and 
repeating the operation until her bow has been 
brought above the surface so far that the 
broken timbers can be temporarily repaired.” 

And whein the hole has been mended we 


78 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


can pump the water out of the hull ! Doris 
cried in delight, as if she had suddenly made 
a most important discovery. 

Exactly, Miss Doris. At that point the 
work of the wreckers will have been performed, 
and then the carpenters — meaning you own- 
ers, of course — can speedily put her in sailing 
trim.^’ 

Surely, as Mr. Barclay thus explained the 
matter, it was a simple affair to raise a wreck, 
and, with the exception of Sam, the young 
people were in a frame of delightful excite- 
ment, for it surely seemed as if the task was 
much the same as performed. Sam remem- 
bered that he had not worked out the first 
proposition, and was not a little irritated, be- 
cause, instead of forcing them to fret them- 
selves with quantities of figures, the bookworm 
diver would not at once give the correct 
answer. 

Something of this idea must have been ap- 
parent on his face, for Mr. Barclay, in his 
sternest schoolmaster manner, thus defined 
his position : 

“I am willing, and even eager, to aid you 
in the work of raising the ‘ Princess,' if I can 


79 


Laying Plans 

see that you are getting some benefit from it 
other than the value of the yacht. When young 
people have such a generous proposition before 
them as has been made by Mr. Bragg, they 
surely ought to be ready to do that which I 
require, more particularly since it is all to 
your advantage. 

And we are willing,^^ Doris interrupted ea- 
gerly. Sam may not look so, because he 
wants to get on with the work ; but you shall 
see that we won’t shirk the task you have 
set us.” 

That is all I ask,” the tutor replied in a 
more friendly tone. Otherwise I would not 
feel warranted in allowing you to neglect your 
studies, as will probably be necessary when 
the wrecking operations are nearing an end. 
Now, if you are so disposed, we will go once 
more to the Inlet, or set about learning where 
a number of oil casks may be procured, and if 
it will be possible to hire a motor boat.” 

When the professor and Doris arrived at 
the boat-house the two boys were bargaining 
with Captain Ezra for the use of his motor 
boat. 

“ She’ll need a lot of overhaulin’,” the old 


8o The Wreck of the “Princess” 


sailor was saying reflectively, an' even when 
she's in good trim, I wouldn't agree to let her 
to you boys till after you’d learned how to run 
the motor.” 

How long will it take?” Phil asked, and 
Captain Ezra replied : 

I reckon you’d be fitted to run her in the 
course of a week ; but it's bound to be some- 
thin’ of a job, 'cause I couldn't trust her with 
them as didn't know jest what should be done 

in case of an accident ” 

“ A week ! ” Sam cried in dismay. If we 
spend all that time we won't be able to begin 
work on the wreck for a month ! ” 

It'll be jest as well if you don't begin this 
season, so far as raisin' her is concerned,” the 
old sailor said in a tone such as irritated the 
young people sorely. ‘‘ I'm allowin’ Mr. Bragg 
knew you couldn’t float her, else he wouldn't 
have made the offer.” 

We must find some other motor boat, for 
it is certain we can't afford to spend a whole 
week learning how to run this one,” Phil said 
ruefully, and Captain Ezra added, much as if 
it gave him real pleasure to disappoint their 
hopes : 


Laying Plans 8i 

“ Fm allowin^ you'll travel many a long 
mile before you find another motor boat on 
this coast for hire. I don't know of any, an' 
that's the fact." 

It seemed as if all their plans for raising the 
“ Princess " were overturned because of their 
inability to find a suitable boat, and the young 
people were looking at each other in silent 
dismay, when Mr. Barclay said, in a tone of 
command such as would never have been ex- 
pected from a bookworm : 

“ You may put your boat in shape. Captain 
Curtis, and we will take her to-morrow, if your 
price is not too high. I am familiar with 
craft of that kind, and can run her myself." 

You ? " Sam cried, in astonishment. 

I have run a much larger motor boat 
than that, many weeks on a stretch, and, 
what is more, have done all my own repairs," 
the tutor replied, modestly, and Phil was so 
elated because what a moment previous had 
appeared like an insurmountable obstacle 
was so suddenly removed that he shouted 
wildly : 

Three cheers for Professor Andy I " 

Doris joined him in giving them with a 


82 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


will, while Sam stared in open-mouthed 
astonishment, for the tutor was rapidly giv- 
ing evidence of being a valuable and jolly 
comrade — when he was not acting as school- 
master. 

Mr. Barclay took it upon himself to make 
the bargain with Captain Ezra, showing him- 
self so familiar with boats of the class in 
question that the old sailor abandoned all 
attempt to make them pay two or three times 
as much as was just. 

“ We’ll be here to take her over at about 
two o’clock to-morrow,” the tutor said, as he 
clambered into the boat they had used the 
previous day. You may as well buy us a 
barrel of gasoline, for we are likely to use 
considerable fuel before the ‘ Princess ^ is 
brought to the surface.” 

“ I allow you are,” Captain Ezra said, sar- 
castically. I’m thinkin’ a carload won’t be 
any too much if you count on burning it till 
Bragg’s yacht is floated.” 


CHAPTER VII 


THE WRECKEES’ PICNIC 

The tutor buckled down to the oars as if 
trying to learn just how much strength he 
could expend upon them, and the light craft 
shot ahead with a bone in her teeth in a 
manner that was exceedingly pleasing to 
Doris and the boys. 

The voyage was a short one in point of 
time, and when Mr. Barclay bore well to 
the southard in order to find the channel, 
Mr. Bragg, his gun over his shoulder and the 
dog at his heels, came into view at a point 
on the shore nearly opposite the spars of the 

Princess.’^ 

“ There he is, waiting for us I Doris cried 
as she waved her hat to attract the attention 
of the gentleman who was so hard-pressed for 
amusement. It seems queer that he should 
be willing to give us the yacht, and then be 
really eager to help raise her I ** 

83 


84 The Wreck of the Princess” 

It is fortunate for us that things are so 
queer, else we wouldn’t stand any chance of 
owning a craft like the ‘ Princess,’ ” Phil 
said contentedly, and Sam asked of the pro- 
fessor : 

Are we to do any real work to-day ? ” 

“ Yes ; but it will be with our heads rather 
than our hands, until after you have solved 
the problem. We will lay our plans for pro- 
curing the working material, and settle other 
details such as must be decided upon before 
we can begin the task to advantage.” 

“ Ahoy in the boat I ” hailed Mr. Bragg, 
and Doris replied in what she believed to be 
truly nautical fashion : 

“ Ahoy ! How do you do ? ” 

Is this the Newcome Wrecking Company, 
Limited?” 

'' I don’t know what — oh, yes, of course it 
is, and you are one of the workmen, I sup- 
pose ? ” 

A plain, every-day laborer, who is making 
a kick because there seems to be no show 
of getting in an eight-hour day, since you 
officers are so late.” 

You’ll have to work doubly fast in order 


The Wreckers’ Picnic 85 

to earn your wages, which are in this basket 
in the shape of pickles.’^ 

'' Any sandwiches to go with them ? ” 

‘‘ Certainly,'' Doris replied, laughingly, as 
the bow of the boat grated on the sand, and 
Mr. Bragg held it steady while Phil and Sam 
leaped over the rail, after which he aided 
Doris with the basket. 

“ I suppose all the plans have been laid, 
and that you have come down to raise the 
^Princess' before sunset?" Mr. Bragg said, 
questioningly, when Mr. Barclay, having 
hauled the boat up beyond the reach of the 
tide, joined the party among the scanty 
foliage of the palmetto palms. 

Then it was that Doris explained what part 
she and the boys must play before the pro- 
fessor would begin his portion of the work, 
and the owner of the wreck said laughingly : 

It is to be supposed that three young 
people like you can solve such a problem 
mentally, therefore the wrecking is the same 
as accomplished already." 

If we do it after working hard and long, 
counting our fingers now and then when it 
is a matter of addition, I shall be perfectly 


86 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


satisfied ; but we really have done something 
toward making ready for the work/^ 

Then Doris explained that they were to 
have a motor boat on the following day, after 
which it would be in order to learn where 
they might get empty oil casks enough to 
carry out the plan set forth by the professor. 
Mr. Bragg asked gravely whether she believed 
it would be possible to persuade the tutor into 
giving them a full holiday. 

‘‘ Of course he will, if it is to raise the 
^ Princess ’ ! ’’ Phil cried quickly, and from 
the expression on Mr. Barclay’s face, it surely 
seemed as if the permission might be gained 
without very much effort. 

If it can be done, I propose that you sail 
in your motor boat down the coast to a certain 
place I know of, where it is almost certain 
that you can get, not only the oil casks, but 
the pumps that will be needed,” and Mr. 
Bragg spoke as though his only aim in life 
was to aid the Newcome Wrecking Company, 
Limited, to earn the prize he had offered. 

When they first came ashore, Sam had with 
him all his aged-uncle manners; but he speed- 
ily pricked up his ears when mention was 


The Wreckers’ Picnic 87 

thus made of a full holiday, and asked for 
particulars regarding the new proposition. 

“ The voyage I speak of is a long one — full 
fifteen miles, and I do not believe Captain 
Curtis has any craft that can make more than 
six miles an hour, so we should start early in 
the morning in order to finish all our busi- 
ness and have time for dinner at the hotel. 

Then he told them what might be had in 
the way of sport during the voyage, and the 
young people were so deeply interested in the 
scheme that for the moment they really for- 
got the “ Princess,^^ until Professor Andy 
asked if Mr. Bragg knew whether they might 
be able to hire chains at this place. 

“ I believe you can get everything needed. 
In fact, when I had a dim idea of raising the 
* Princess ^ myself, or of hiring it done, I was 
told that every necessary appliance might be 
found there. The only question is, when 
will you give the young people a holiday ? 

To-morrow is Saturday, and, if their 
parents are willing, we will go then, providing 
the motor boat can be made ready in season,’^ 
the professor replied so promptly that Doris, 
as she afterward confessed to Phil, felt much 


88 The Wreck of the ‘‘Princess” 


like hugging him for being so nearly the 
same as “ real people/^ 

By the time this matter had been settled, 
Doris believed the Newcome Wrecking Com- 
pany's officers were in need of food, and the 
workman was paid in sandwiches and pickles 
for his arduous labors, after which Professor 
Andy went out to have one more view of the 
wreck. 

As a matter of course, every officer of the 
company, and the laborer, insisted on going 
with him, and during a full hour the little 
boat lay alongside the spars while her oc- 
cupants gazed at the sunken craft, trying to 
decide how the work might be begun to the 
best advantage. 

“ It won^t be a long task,^^ Mr. Barclay 
said, after a time of thoughtful silence. We 
should be able to raise her in six tides at the 
most. There would be no question of it, if 
we were not forced to spend so many hours 
going back and forth. 

Why not make your headquarters at my 
house for one week ? ” Mr. Bragg asked almost 
eagerly. ‘‘ I will see Mr. Newcome about 
it, and if he gives his consent, we’ll have a 


The Wreckers’ Picnic 89 

canvas tent set up here on the beach, where 
we can take our comfort while the tide works 
for us, and it is quite possible we might have 
a jolly time/^ 

Of course we should ! Doris cried en- 
thusiastically. “ We will study all the harder 
after having a week's holiday ! " 

It won't interfere with the work if you 
continue your studies here," Professor Andy 
said gravely, and the expression of joy faded 
from the faces of Sam and Phil very suddenly ; 
but Mr. Bragg appeared to think the pro- 
fessor's proposition quite reasonable, for he 
added heartily : 

That will be the proper course, and then 
in case the wrecking operations are not com- 
pleted as quickly as you now believe, there 
can be nothing to prevent your remaining 
another week. I will go up this evening to 
see Mr. Newcome." 

Why not go back in the boat with us?" 
Phil asked, fearing lest the gentleman might 
change his mind if they left him. 

It will be more comfortable to drive over. 
Your boat is rather too small for so many, 
and, besides, in such case I should be forced 


go The Wreck of the “Princess” 


to walk home alone. You’d better have a 
heart-to-heart talk with Captain Curtis, so 
that he will have the motor craft ready for us 
early in the morning, and that may require 
more time than I am inclined to spend, even 
though it does hang so heavily on my hands.” 

Then Mr. Bragg urged that they set off on 
the return voyage at once, and when Doris 
complained that the work of raising the wreck 
had not been advanced in any degree, owing 
to the picnic and the plans for the future, he 
declared that such conferences were absolutely 
necessary to the success of the enterprise. 

“ Making arrangements for a voyage down 
the coast and a temporary change of homes 
isn’t wasting time by any means,” he said 
with a laugh. Set me ashore, and then pay 
the visit to Captain Curtis, giving him to 
understand that you must search for a motor 
boat elsewhere if he can’t have his craft ready 
for you by seven o’clock to-morrow morning. 
I will be here waiting for you immediately 
after breakfast.” 

Even though they had not been disposed 
to return home so soon, the young people 
could not well have made any protest to the 


The Wreckers’ Picnic 91 

program as laid out by Mr. Bragg, since if it 
had not been for him the Newcorne Wrecking 
Company, Limited, would never have had an 
existence, and half an hour later Professor 
Andy was explaining to Captain Ezra what 
they required of him. 

If the young people, unaccompanied by 
any one older, had made the request that the 
motor boat be in commission by daybreak 
next morning, the old sailor would most likely 
have declared it impossible ; but in the pres- 
ence of the tutor he was as yielding as putty 
and acceded to all their demands, although 
not with a very good grace. 

It was not yet dinner-time when the wreck- 
ing company arrived home, to find Mr. New- 
come and Mr. Norris on . the veranda poring 
over the market reports, which seemed ex- 
ceedingly stupid as compared with the task 
of raising a steamer, and before Doris could 
explain to her father what they were eager to 
do, he said with a smile : 

“ There is no need of going into details, for 
Mr. Bragg has just driven away from here. 
If Barclay believes it is all right for you to 
have a holiday there's no reason why you 


92 The Wreck of the Princess” 

shouldn't run down the coast in the morn- 
ing.’^ 

“ And what about going to Mr. Bragg^s for 
a week ? Phil asked anxiously. 

“ That is a question for your mother to 
answer ; but I have no doubt as to her reply.’’ 

Then Mr. Newcome gave his undivided 
attention to the newspaper once more ; Mr. 
Barclay went into the library as if eager to 
get his nose into a book, and Doris said to her 
partners as the three walked slowly around 
the garden : 

“We shall never be able to repay Professor 
Andy. If it hadn’t been for him we’d never 
thought of hiring a motor boat, nor had the 
least little bit of an idea as to how the 
‘ Princess ’ might be raised. From this very 
moment I’m going to do everything he asks 
in the way of studying, so’s to show him how 
much we appreciate the fact that he’s a real 
flesh and blood person, instead of the fossil 
we believed when he first came as tutor.” 


CHAPTER VIII 


A LONG CEUISE 

The prospective owners of the Princess 
were astir unusually early on the following 
morning, for, in addition to its being a holi- 
day, they were to take what seemed like the 
first real step toward beginning the work of 
wrecking. 

Sam and Phil were yet engaged in quite a 
heated discussion as to who should act as 
captain of the chartered motor boat. 

Sam claimed the right to play the part of 
sailing master, because he was the senior 
member of the Newcome Wrecking Company, 
Limited, while Phil insisted that a lad who 
did not know how to pilot a rowboat over an 
ordinary sand-bar could not be relied upon to 
take charge of a power boat. 

The argument had already become quite 
heated when Doris arrived on the scene, and 
the lads insisted that she, as one of the 
partners, should decide who should act as 
93 


94 


The Wreck of the Princess'' 


captain during the cruise. Phil was not eager 
to assume full charge of the craft ; but claimed 
that Sam was not sufficiently experienced in 
the management of boats, either. 

Doris did not spend many seconds unravel- 
ing the snarl ; but promptly announced it as 
her belief that neither of the boys had the 
right to dictate regarding the proceedings of 
the day. 

This is Professor Andy^s excursion,” she 
said, decidedly. If it hadnT been for him 
we wouldn’t have been able to hire Captain 
Ezra’s boat, and, besides, because he is almost 
the same as a real sailor, we are bound to do 
as he says.” 

But suppose he refuses to choose a cap- 
tain ? ” Sam asked eagerly, believing the tutor 
would not discriminate between his pupils to the 
extent of setting one in authority over another. 

'' Then it is for Mr. Bragg to decide. Next 
to Professor Andy, he is the person who has 
made it possible for us to have this holiday, 
and, when you come to look at the matter 
squarely, he is the head of the party. If the 
professor doesn’t make a choice, Mr. Bragg 
must.” 


95 


A Long Cruise 

But some one will be obliged to steer the 
boat, at least as far as the Inlet, before we can 
hear what Mr. Bragg has to say about the 
captain, Sam insisted, still clinging to the 
belief that he was the only member of the 
party fitted to take command, even though he 
had much the same as been wrecked before the 
first voyage came to an end. 

I’ll tell you how we’ll fix it,” Phil sug- 
gested. When the professor gets on board 
the boat, we’ll wait for him to say who shall 
steer as far as the Inlet. We won’t say a word 
to influence his decision, and look pleasant, 
whatever may be his choice.” 

To this Sam could not do less than agree, 
even though he believed that his age entitled 
him to the command, and the pleasure-seekers 
were remarkably quiet during the tramp 
to the boat-house. 

When Mr. Barclay joined the young people 
on the veranda he was quick to note that there 
was some disagreement among them ; but he 
very wisely held his peace, save when he in- 
sisted on carrying the basket of food which the 
boys apparently failed to see when Doris liter- 
ally staggered under its weight. 


96 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Twice the tutor ventured the remark that 
they could not have had more favorable 
weather for the excursion, and Doris agreed 
with him heartily ; but even she did not appear 
eager to enter into an extended conversation. 

Arriving at the boat-house, the wrecking 
company found their chartered craft ready, 
although Captain Ezra was in a fine state of 
irritation because he had been forced to bestir 
himself so energetically. 

There’s no sense in you children hurryin’ 
at sich a rate, thinkin’ you’ll raise Bragg’s 
yacht. I’m allowin’ you’d make jest as much 
headway by stayin’ here as in goin’ to the 
Inlet, ’cause it don’t stand to reason you’re 
able to raise the craft, unless them as know 
how are hired for the job.” 

But Professor Andy interrupted by saying 
quite sharply to the old sailor : 

“ Where is the gasoline we ordered? You 
haven’t put on board more than would be 
needed for a run to the Inlet and back.” 

Wa’al, ain’t that enough for one day? You 
can get more in the mornin’, if so be you count 
on runnin’ Sunday.” 

We are going down the coast with Mr. 


97 


A Long Cruise 

Bragg, and may make quite a voyage of it. 
Fill up the tank, Captain Curtis, and we will 
thank you to keep it full, for no one can say 
when we may need a large quantity.^^ 

The professor had spoken in a tone of 
authority, as if he was accustomed to being 
obeyed, and Captain Ezra did not delay in 
carrying out the instructions, although he 
grumbled under his breath not a little at the 
foolishness of “ some people.^^ 

You are to take the helm. Miss Doris, the 
tutor said, much as though the task of steering 
was of little importance. “ The young gentle- 
men are to be my apprentices during the cruise, 
in order that they may familiarize themselves 
with gasoline motors before they have one of 
their own to handle.^’ 

Sam was by no means pleased with the idea 
of soiling his hands, as the professor had 
already done ; but he took his place by the 
side of Phil near the motor, and while Doris, 
proud at being given virtual command of the 
boat, sat at the helm, the boys were forced to 
listen to the instructions of the tutor, who 
explained the working of the machinery in 
his regular schoolmaster manner. 


98 The Wreck of the ^‘Princess” 


If it had only been a question of listening 
Sam might not have been so dissatisfied with 
the beginning of the cruise ; but the tutor 
insisted on making a thorough lesson of it 
during the run to the Inlet, requiring the lads 
to answer the many questions necessary to 
prove that they had profited by his teaching. 

Doris bore well to the suth’rd ” without 
being prompted when they came off the bar, 
and, finding the channel as well as Professor 
Andy himself could have done, ran the little 
boat up the Inlet until Mr. Bragg came in 
view on the beach, when the tutor slowed 
down the motor until the little vessel barely 
moved through the water. 

“ Head her straight for the sand near where 
Mr. Bragg is standing,’' the tutor said in a tone 
of command. He must take the chances of 
getting his feet wet, since we haven’t any 
tender.” 

‘‘ Any what?” Doris asked, as she skilfully 
steered the craft according to instructions. 

A small boat used for the purpose of land- 
ing passengers from larger craft is called a 
tender,” the professor explained, and then Mr. 
Bragg hailed ; 


A Long Cruise 99 

“ Ahoy the steamer 1 Who is skipper of 
that craft? 

‘‘ I am/^ Doris replied triumphantly. And 
since you are the only one of the laborers, 
you must stay forward, instead of going on the 
quarter-deck, where the officers of the Newcome 
Wrecking Company, Limited, are extracting 
wisdom from the engineer. Can you get on 
without falling overboard? 

Mr. Bragg leaped from the shore to the bow 
of the motor boat as actively as either Sam or 
Phil could have done, and on the instant 
Professor Andy had reversed the engine, send- 
ing the little craft away from shoal water. 

Swing your helm hard down,” he said as 
he started the motor ahead once more, and the 
junior member of the company asked in per- 
plexity : 

Which is down and which is up?” 

“ Down would be to the port, or left-hand 
side,” Mr. Bragg explained, and as the wheel 
was swung around the boat made a half circle, 
heading again for the channel. 

“ YouVe got a famous skipper, professor,” 
the gentleman said, laughingly. “Is she to 
remain in command ? ” 


loo The Wreck of the “Princess” 

It seems proper she should until her 
partners are sufficiently acquainted with 
motors to be able to run the ‘ Princess ' when 
she is again afloat.’^ 

“ IVe seen all I want to of a motor/^ Sam 
grumbled. “ I thought we were to have a 
day’s pleasuring instead of a regular lesson 
with a lot of grease thrown in.” 

** If you come to understand that even 
pleasuring costs some one labor and anxiety, 
the cruise won’t have been made without good 
results,” Mr. Bragg said seriously. Remem- 
ber, my lad, that in this world there is a price 
affixed to everything we do or have, and it 
must be paid. The price of the ‘ Princess ’ is 
the work of raising her, and in order to get 
enjoyment from the possession, you must do 
exactly as Mr. Barclay insists on your doing 
now.” 

Sam may not have been convinced that all 
Mr. Bragg said was true ; but certain it is he 
was silenced, for he could not well set himself 
up in opposition to the gentleman who had 
not only made this cruise possible, but would 
be their host during such time as the work of 
wrecking was in progress. 


lOl 


A Long Cruise 

It was soon seen that the chartered boat 
would never be able to win a blue ribbon for 
speed. Professor Andy worked over the motor 
until perspiration and oil ran down his cheeks 
in smutty streams, without being able to send 
her through the water any faster. Then he 
had the occupants move here and there in the 
hope that she might be trimmed to do better 
work ; but all in vain, and he said in what 
was to Doris a very comical tone of despair, as 
he settled back on the thwart as if convinced 
that he could not improve matters : 

'' Vwe seen many slow boats; but this is the 
worst ! I really believe she could not hold her 
own against the current. 

We’ve got plenty of time,’^ Mr. Bragg re- 
plied carelessly. “ There is no real need of 
speed, unless some of you are growing hungry.” 

In which case we have sandwiches and 
pickles enough to prevent starvation,” Doris 
added laughingly, and the promoter of the 
excursion appeared to think it a very good 
joke. 

All we need is to have half an hour at the 
hotel to settle our business, and surely Captain 
Ezra’s boat can help us to that extent,” he 


102 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


said confidently ; but Professor Andy did not 
appear to be so comfortable in mind. 

I am in doubt whether we can drive this 
box thirty miles even in twenty-four hours, 
and believe we should turn back now, lest we 
fail to reach home to-night.” 

To such a proposition as this the others of 
the company made decided and emphatic ob- 
jections, Mr. Bragg being even more eager 
than his companions to continue the journey, 
if, indeed, that could be possible. 

“ While the young people are eating dinner 
you and I, Mr. Barclay, will attend to the 
business, and surely if we do not delay longer 
than that, there can be no question as to our 
getting home early in the evening.” 

It was a full hour past noon when they ar- 
rived at their destination, and, regardless of 
Doris^ protestations, Mr. Bragg insisted on 
carrying out the plan he had suggested. The 
young people were escorted to the hotel, 
where the owner of the Princess ” appeared 
to be very well known, and there sent into the 
dining-room, while the two men set off in 
search of such material as might be needed in 
raising the yacht. 


A Long Cruise 103 

That they were not as successful in the 
search as had been anticipated was shown by 
the fact that nearly two hours elapsed before 
they returned to the hotel ; but then, as it ap- 
peared, all the business had been transacted. 

“ We have hired everything that will be 
needed,’^ Mr. Bragg announced in a tone of 
triumph, as if some great feat had been ac- 
complished, and now we will get under way 
for home without delay, for the professor and 
I are so nearly starved that unless we can 
soon come at the sandwiches and pickles there 
is fear of a collapse.'^ 

‘‘ Why not wait a few minutes longer and 
have something nice ? Doris asked solici- 
tously. We have had a perfectly splendid 
dinner.^' 

“ The professor claims that there isnT a 
minute to lose if we count on seeing Bayview 
before morning, and I do not dare run counter 
to his desires, since upon him are all our 
hopes for the successful termination of the 
voyage pinned,^^ Mr. Bragg replied laugh- 
ingly, and Phil asked anxiously : 

'' What about the things you hired ? We 
must take them aboard, or else come again. 


104 The Wreck of the Princess” 


‘‘ We have contracted to have everything 
delivered at the Inlet Monday morning.” 

How does that agree with the bargain you 
made with us?” Doris asked. If you have 
done all this, how can it be said that we raised 
the * Princess ^ without assistance ? ” 

We two men are your hired laborers, and 
whatever we do, acting under your instruc- 
tions, is the same as if you did it.” 

“ It is fortunate that we told you exactly 
what to do, otherwise we might have forfeited 
our right to the ‘ Princess,^ ” Doris said cheer- 
fully, understanding that Mr. Bragg was pleas- 
ing himself in the matter, and by the time 
the conversation had reached this point the 
wrecking company were at the water^s edge, 
ready to embark once more in Captain Ezra^s 
erratic craft. 


CHAPTER IX 


A SLOW BOAT 

Sam strove to be the first on board, in order 
that he might take the wheel, and trusting 
that no one would dispute his right if he was 
once in possession ; but it really seemed as if 
Mr. Bragg had a suspicion of his intentions, 
for he deliberately crowded the lad aside in 
order to help Doris over the rail, saying as he 
did so : 

You must remain in command. Miss 
Doris, for it is unwise to make a change of 
commanders during a voyage. Professor 
Andy will do his best at the motor, while I 
take lessons in steering from you.^^ 

“ If you are counting on learning anything 
of seamanship, you will be disappointed,^^ 
Doris replied merrily, for what I donT know 
about steamboats would fill a big, big book.^^ 
But this isn't a steamer ; it's only a very 
lame motor boat, such as needs a delicate hand 
105 


io6 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


at the helm, otherwise she may refuse to move 
even in her own feeble way.’’ 

“ Her owner deserves a sound rating for 
presuming to let such a boat under the guise 
of having power aboard,” Professor Andy 
said as he struggled with the motor, and 
Doris raised her eyebrows in astonishment, 
for never before had she heard the tutor 
speak in a tone of petulance. 

With many a thump and hiss of protest, 
the motor finally began to work, and the little 
craft was no more than in the current when it 
could be understood beyond the possibility of 
a doubt that the voyage would be prolonged 
far beyond the professor’s fears. 

“ Does she go ahead any ? ” Sam asked 
anxiously after two or three minutes had 
passed, and the boat did not appear to be 
much further from the landing-stage than 
when she had started, and Mr. Bragg replied 
cheerily : 

“ She is getting a little the best of the cur- 
rent, but nothing to boast about. I should 
say she was making nearly two miles an hour, 
eh, Mr. Barclay ? ” 

It’s certain she isn’t doing any better 


A Slow Boat 


107 


than that/^ the tutor replied grimly. We'll 
hope for a little more speed after the motor 
gets warmed up ; but it is positive we shan't 
reach Bayview until late in the evening." 

So that we get there before the parents of 
our young people begin to worry, it will be 
all right," Mr. Bragg added with an evident 
attempt to appear contented. 

Doris remained at the wheel, although it 
did not seem as if a guiding hand was neces- 
sary while the boat moved so slowly through 
the water. Sam lounged amidships clothed 
in all his aged-uncle manners, and appearing 
to be sadly bored, while Phil was the only of- 
ficer of the Newcome Wrecking Company, 
Limited, who showed an inclination to profit 
by the opportunity. He sat directly in front 
of the motor, where he could study it at his 
leisure, and from time to time asked questions 
of Mr. Barclay that showed that it was his de- 
termination to familiarize himself with the 
working of the machinery. 

If you keep on at this rate, you'll be able 
to run the motor of the * Princess,' " Sam said 
approvingly, for it had dawned upon him 
that if Phil voluntarily took on himself the 


io8 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess’’ 


duties of engineer, there would be no dispute 
as to who would be captain. 

“ It seems as if a fellow ought to get ac- 
quainted with a machine like that, and if we 
are to spend the rest of the day aboard this 
craft, I can’t see why we shouldn’t post our- 
selves. Then, when the ‘ Princess ’ is floated, 
we won’t be obliged to waste a lot of time 
finding out what it’ll be necessary for us to 
know.” 

That’s the way to talk, my boy,” Mr. 
Bragg said approvingly, and his tone was so 
hearty and sincere that Sam regretted not 
having provoked similar praise. A fellow 
who takes advantage of every opportunity to 
learn something, even though it be only how 
to run a motor boat, is putting himself in the 
way of succeeding in this world.” 

Professor Andy evidently believed that the 
moment had come when he should again play 
the part of tutor, and during the next hour 
he explained the workings of motors in gen- 
eral and the one before them in particular, 
much to the annoyance of Sam, who resented, 
as he afterward told Doris, “ having big 
chunks of wisdom shoved down his throat 


A Slow Boat 


109 

when he was supposed to be out for a holi- 
day/^ 

After night had come, it seemed to Doris 
that it was absolutely impossible to prevent 
her eyes from closing in slumber, and Phil 
gave over trying to gain knowledge, curling 
himself up in the stern-sheets, where his loud 
breathing told that he was sleeping more or 
less peacefully. 

Whether Mr. Bragg had had enough of 
pleasuring, no one knew ; but Doris felt posi- 
tive he would be well pleased when it was 
possible to step ashore at the Inlet. 

And he did not have an opportunity to do 
so until nearly nine o^clock in the evening, 
when he leaped over the bow without regard 
to wetting his feet, as he shouted : 

^^Get under way with your parents as soon 
after daylight on Monday as possible, so that 
you may be certain of arriving here before 
night. When we are settled down at work, 
my efforts shall be directed to finding a 
motor boat that can be run faster than a mile 
an hour.^^ 

“ If we get home in time, we^ll start imme- 
diately after breakfast,'' Doris cried laughingly 


no 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


as she put the helm hard down in order to 
turn the slowly-moving craft. 

It really seemed as if Captain Ezra^s boat 
gained courage after having arrived so near 
home, for she apparently moved at a much 
more reputable rate of speed from the Inlet to 
the landing, and Professor Andy was wholly 
unable to give any explanation of it. 

Very weary, almost ill-tempered, were the 
members of the Newcome Wrecking Company, 
Limited, when they finally arrived home, after 
tramping a mile from Captain Ezra^s landing, 
and found their parents in a fine state of anx- 
iety because of their long absence. 

As Phil afterward confessed to Mr. Bragg, 
the excursion in Captain Ezra’s boat came 
very near putting the wrecking company out 
of existence, because, made nervous by her 
fears concerning their safety, his mother had 
declared that neither he nor Doris should 
have anything more to do with boats, whether 
sunken or afioat. 

When morning came, however, and she 
learned that the delay had been caused wholly 
by the slowness of the motor boat, with not 
even the lightest suspicion of danger to give 


A Slow Boat 111 

zest to the adventure, Mrs. Newcome recon- 
sidered the matter to such extent that the visit 
to Mr. Bragg’s was definitely settled upon. 

But we will never go in that boat,” Mrs. 
Newcome said emphatically. In the first 
place, I am not in favor of walking a mile to 
Captain Curtis’ place of business, and secondly, 
I am unwilling to run the risk of being all 
day in a small motor boat.” 

Therefore it was that when, on Monday 
morning, Mr. Barclay and his pupils left home 
to go for their chartered craft, they were not 
hampered with baggage, for everything, even 
including Doris’ basket of pickles and sand- 
wiches, was to be carried in the carriages that 
conveyed the older members of the families. 

On Saturday evening Mr. Barclay had 
given Captain Ezra very plainly to under- 
stand that he would not be able to lease his 
motor boat many days unless it should be 
possible for him to effect some change in her 
sailing qualities, and when the party arrived 
at the landing on this morning, the old sailor 
announced that he had remedied all the de- 
fects. 

“ You’ll find that she’ll sail like a bird,” he 


112 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


announced confidently, and although no one 
knew exactly how fast a bird could sail, all 
felt certain that any change must be for the 
better, since it couldn’t well be worse. 

Sam, by making quite a striking exhibition 
of selfishness, succeeded in taking station at 
the wheel before any of his companions could 
interfere, and the tutor gave no heed to the 
change of sailing masters, but started the 
motor without delay, and Doris seated herself 
beside him in order, as she explained, to learn 
how to play the part of engineer. 

Phil, who had already gained much infor- 
mation during the long voyage on Saturday 
evening, joined what he called “ the class in 
motoring,” and thus was Sam alone in his 
glory in the forward part of the boat. 

It really seemed as if Mr. Barclay strove to 
make the lesson entertaining, and succeeded 
so well that no one of the three gave any heed 
to the course of the boat, until she came to a 
sudden stop, rolling slightly over on one side, 
as if tired of traveling. 

Then it was that the class in motoring” 
looked about them in alarm, and Doris cried 
in a tone of mingled reproach and irritation : 


A Slow Boat 


1*3 


**You have run us on the sand-bar again, 
Sam Norris, and now how are we to get off? ’’ 

It was true. Sam, believing there was no 
good reason for bearing to the suth^rd as far 
as Mr. Barclay and Doris had done, decided 
to take a short cut across where he felt confi- 
dent there was water enough to float so small 
a craft as the motor boat, with the result that 
the little vessel ploughed her nose into the 
sand, urged thereto by the screw, until she was 
so near the surface that there was nothing left 
to do save heel over in token that she had 
been misused. 

Mr. Barclay's first act was to shut off the 
power, which was forcing the boat yet higher 
up on the bar, and as he did this, Phil asked 
angrily : 

“Was this the best that you could do? 
Doris steered the boat all day, and never had 
any trouble, while you, who claim to know all 
about steamers, can't run her two miles with- 
out coming to grief." 

“ There ought to be water enough here," 
Sam said meekly, knowing full well he richly 
deserved all the reproaches that might be 
heaped upon him. “ I thought it would save 


114 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


time to come across, and it didn^t seem reason- 
able that the bar ran so far toward the other 
shore/’ 

“ If you would spend more time trying to 
gain information, Sam, and place less depend- 
ence in your own judgment concerning mat- 
ters of which you know nothing, it would be 
more to your profit,” Mr. Barclay said curtly, 
and then he gazed intently toward that portion 
of the Inlet where the spars of the Princess ” 
could be seen. 

*‘How are we to get ashore?” Doris asked, 
and the tutor replied : 

“ I know of no other way than to stay here 
until the tide rises. It is fortunate for us 
that the water can’t fall much lower — I be- 
lieve it will not ebb more than an hour 
longer.” 

“ And have we got to stay here a whole 
hour just because Sam would insist on being 
captain ? ” Phil cried impatiently. 

Three hours, I should say, and since there 
is nothing else to be done, I propose that we 
set about our studies for the day in order to 
economize time.” 

^^Now see what you’ve brought us to!” 


A Slow Boat 


“5 


Phil whispered savagely to Sam, and the 
latter looked as thoroughly ashamed as he 
probably felt. 

The Newcome Wrecking Company, Limited, 
were hard at work over their books when a 
hail came from the shore, and again was 
Master Sam reminded that he was not capable 
of taking command, even of so small a craft 
as Captain Ezra’s motor boat. 

Ahoy on the bar I ” Mr. Bragg cried. 

What are you doing out there? ” 

Waiting for the tide to rise,” Doris replied 
cheerily. 

** Is it possible that you were so careless as 
to run aground where all hands knew there 
was a sand-bar? I thought, last Saturday, 
that you were a prudent skipper.” 

Sam was at the wheel, and he wanted to 
make a short cut,” Doris cried laughingly, 
while Sam’s cheeks grew flaming red. 

Oh, I see how it was,” Mr. Bragg said, 
half to himself, and there was so much of 
meaning in his tone that Sam’s abasement in- 
creased tenfold. Well, you’ll have to wait 
where you are until the tide rises, for there 
isn’t a boat of any kind within two miles, and 


ii6 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


I’m not inclined to walk so far just now. 
The tent is here ready to be set up, and I had 
counted that by the time the sun got high 
we’d have a shelter over our heads.” 

I suppose we might try to wade ashore,” 
Doris said hesitatingly, and the gentleman 
cried as if in alarm : 

Don’t make the venture on your life I I’m 
told that the sand on the bar is none too firm, 
and we can’t begin wrecking operations with 
an adventure in the quicksands. I’ll go back 
home to welcome your parents, and you can 
count on seeing me again some time before 
that snail-like craft of yours is afloat.” 

Then Mr. Bragg disappeared amid the pal- 
metto palms, and Sam turned his attention to 
the lesson before him with more alacrity than 
he had ever shown in all his life, hoping by 
so doing to escape further reproaches from his 
partners. 

Half an hour later, when the heat of the day 
had increased to an uncomfortable degree, 
Phil startled his companions by saying : 

There’s the vessel that is bringing the 
wrecking material which Mr. Bragg hired I 
See I She’s going into the Inlet, and there’s 


A Slow Boat 


117 


nobody about to say where the goods shall be 
landed I I've a mind to wade ashore, and 
take my chances of quicksands." 

** You will do nothing of the kind, 
Phil Newcome I " Doris cried sharply. ‘‘ Mr. 
Bragg the same as said it was dangerous, and 
we've had trouble enough for one morning." 

“ But some one must be there when the 
vessel gets inside," Phil replied sharply, at the 
same time beginning to remove his shoes, 
and then was come the moment when Pro- 
fessor Andy showed that he could be the 
sternest kind of a stern tutor if necessity 
arose. 

“ You will stay where you are, Philip," he 
said, and the young people believed he would 
not hesitate at using force if there was any 
show of disobedience. 


CHAPTER X 


THE WKECKERS AT WORK 

The motor boat was on the sand-bar liard 
and fast, therefore, as Doris wisely said, noth- 
ing could be gained by scolding and fretting ; 
but it was surely wearing on one’s patience to 
sit there poring over the lessons while the 
tide slowly ebbed until the little craft heeled 
over on her beam ends, knowing that very 
much more time must elapse before it would 
rise sufficiently high to set her free. 

Why don’t you swim ashore, professor ? ” 
Phil asked suddenly, as if the possibility had 
but just presented itself to his mind. ‘‘It 
wouldn’t be much of a task for you.” 

“ I believe it my duty to remain here with 
you, lest something reckless be done,” the 
tutor said curtly. 

“ You might go ashore long enough to show 
the crew of the vessel where the goods were to 
be landed, and then come back,” Doris sug- 
gested. 


118 


The Wreckers at Work 119 

“ We will pay the price of our inexcusable 
blunder by remaining here/’ Mr. Barclay said 
with a meaning glance at Sam. There was 
no reason why we should have run the boat 
aground, knowing the entrance to the Inlet as 
we do, and since it has been done, we’ll con- 
sider it a lesson to be remembered.” 

But those men may land the goods very 
far from where we want them,” Phil added. 

In such case we must spend so much the 
more time and labor in transporting them. 
You may construe the third paragraph on 
page fifty-three, Master Samuel.” 

When Mr. Barclay took on his severest 
schoolmaster manners, the young people 
knew that neither argument nor protest 
would avail, and very unwillingly they set- 
tled down to the task in hand, glancing shore- 
ward every few seconds, however, to learn 
what was being done there. 

Before the vessel came to anchor, Mr. Bragg 
appeared once more, and with him were Mr. 
Newcome and Mr. Norris. Then Phil’s face 
fiushed with shame as he heard his father say 
laughingly : 

In case your yacht is ever raised, Bragg, 


120 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


we shall be forced to hire a man to take 
charge of her, for boys who can put a small 
boat ashore where even a blind man should 
know there was no water are not to be trusted 
with a craft the size of the ‘ Princess/ 

“ If the motor boat had had the same cap- 
tain who sailed her Saturday, I am quite cer- 
tain she would not be piled up on the sand 
now,'' Mr. Bragg replied, and Sam's cheeks 
grew rosy red. 

Then the gentlemen turned their attention 
to the master of the freighter, who had come 
ashore in his tender, and Sam said sulkily : 

“ I can't see why they shouldn't send that 
small boat after us. We could anchor this 
craft, and she couldn't come to any harm 
while it is a dead calm." 

“ I fancy your father believes you should 
pay the full price of carelessness," Mr. Barclay 
replied mildly. “ We were provided with all 
that had been asked for in the way of trans- 
portation, and if we failed to use it intelli- 
gently, there is no good reason why any effort 
be made by others to remedy our faults." 

This was sufficient to reduce Master Sam to 
silence ; but he could not fail to see that the 


The Wreckers at Work 121 

work of unloading the vessel was begun with- 
out delay, and in the meanwhile two men had 
come out from amid the foliage with what ap- 
peared to be a canvas tent. 

The study hour came to an end some time 
before the motor boat was afloat, and then the 
goods were piled up on the shore, while the 
freighter was running slowly out of the Inlet. 

The tent had been set up near the clump 
of palmetto palms, and the shore was de- 
serted. 

The gentlemen have gone to Mr. Bragg^s 
house for luncheon,^^ Doris said in a tearful 
tone. They'll have everything nice to eat, 
and we must starve I " 

Sam turned as if to make an angry reply, 
for he knew full well that the junior member 
of the wrecking company was reproaching 
him, but he succeeded in checking himself, 
and resumed his gloomy task of watching the 
slow rise of the tide. 

It seemed to the officers of the Newcome 
Wrecking Company, Limited, as if the day was 
nearly spent before the little craft, with Doris 
at the helm, backed away from the obstruc- 
tion. 


122 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


It can be supposed that they “ bore well to 
the suth'rd once she had steerage- way on, 
and when the bow grated on the sand where 
the wrecking material was piled, Sam leaped 
ashore, disappearing almost immediately amid 
the palmettos. 

Where has he gone Doris asked in sur- 
prise, and Phil replied with a laugh : 

“ He knows that a fit of the sulks is coming 
on, and has gone where he can be alone.^^ 
Doris and Phil went ashore slowly ; Mr. 
Barclay anchored the motor boat at a safe 
distance from the shore, and then followed 
the young people to the tent, arriving there 
just as Doris made a most pleasing discovery. 

Mr. Bragg has left the very nicest kind of 
a luncheon here for us ! Just look I Such 
pickles ! Jam ! Oranges I Hello, Sam ! Come 
here and get something to eat I 

No reply was made to this most cordial in- 
vitation, and Phil shouted himself hoarse 
without provoking a word from the senior 
partner. 

'' There is no reason why we shouldn't eat, 
even if he has such a bad attack of the 
sulks," Doris said complacently, as she suited 



GOT ASHORE AT LAST, EH?” 





The Wreckers at Work 123 

the action to the word, and the three hungry 
ones were yet feasting when Mr. Bragg ap- 
peared at the flap of the tent. 

Got ashore at last, eh ? he cried cheerily. 

Whereas the other member of the Arm ? ” 

“ He went away by himself when we first 
landed, and evidently doesn^t want anything 
to eat, for he surely must have heard us call- 
ing,” Doris said, as if it was the usual thing 
for Sam to thus secrete himself at luncheon 
time. 

“ Well, I^m not certain but that I’d want to 
do the same thing, if I had run the motor boat 
on the bar after having come in here so often,” 
Mr. Bragg replied with a laugh. I suppose 
you will be forced to get along as best you can 
alone, until he has recovered his temper, and, 
if you will allow one of the workmen to make 
a suggestion, I would propose that you look 
after your goods — that is, if you are counting 
on doing any work to-day.” 

“ What is to be done first ? ” and Doris ran 
out of the tent to where the oil casks had been 
left on the beach. 

“ When you have ascertained how many 
cubic inches of air one of these casks contains, 


124 


The Wreck of the Princess” 


and then found the lifting power of each when 
it is air-tight, we shall know how many must 
be made fast to the hull of the yacht, Mr. 
Barclay said gravely, and Doris asked in dis- 
may : 

Must we wait to figure all that out before 
beginning the work ? 

Not necessarily. It won^t be possible for 
us to moor, before sunset, as many as will be 
needed. If you want to begin the wrecking 
operations, we can set about the task now, and 
work out the problem this evening.’* 

But how will you make the casks fast to 
the hull of the * Princess * ? *’ Phil asked, and 
the professor remained silent a full minute 
before he replied : 

We’ll tow two of the empt}^ casks out to 
the wreck, and then decide, for very much 
depends upon whether we can pass chains 
under the bow and stern of the yacht.” 

Then he and Mr. Bragg made ready two of 
the casks for towing; the motor boat was 
hauled in to the shore, and on her were loaded 
several long chains, together with an ample 
supply of stout rope. 

Before this had been done Sam appeared 


The Wreckers at Work 


125 


from among the palmettos, looking just a trifle 
ashamed of himself, but striving hard not to 
seem conscious of having done anything child- 
ish. He laid hold with the others, and when 
the preparations had been nearly completed Mr. 
Barclay disappeared inside the tent, emerging 
a few minutes later in a bathing suit. 

“ Are you going overboard again ? Doris 
asked in surprise. 

** Some one must do so, else how can we fix 
the chains in place ? he said, taking his 
station at the motor while the others, includ- 
ing Mr. Bragg, clambered on board. 

Sam remained amidships, making no at- 
tempt to take the wheel, and Doris steered, 
watching carefully the captive casks which 
were bobbing astern, seriously interfering with 
the course of the boat. 

Having arrived alongside the spars of the 
‘‘ Princess,'^ the motor boat was made fast, and 
Mr. Barclay overhauled one of the long chains 
until he found the bight of it, or, in other 
words, the middle, and then secured the end 
to the bow of Captain Ezra's craft. 

With the bight in his hand, he slipped over 
the rail, sinking rapidly because of the weight 


126 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


he held, and it seemed to Doris as if he no 
more than had time to reach the bottom before 
he was on the surface again, saying trium- 
phantly, after filling his lungs with fresh air : 

‘‘ That part of it was easy. Pve slipped the 
bight of the chain over the bow of the yacht, 
and it is necessary only to back this boat a few 
yards to draw it taut beyond all chance of 
slipping.^^ 

He was on board even while speaking, and 
when Phil had cast off the boat’s hawser from 
the spars of the wreck, the tutor sent the craft 
astern until both ends of the chain prevented 
further movement in that direction. 

Now it was that, much to the surprise of 
the young people, Mr. Bragg seemed to under- 
stand exactly what should be done, for, with- 
out waiting to receive orders from Mr. Barclay, 
the gentleman proceeded to make the ends of 
the chain fast to one of the oil casks, saying 
as he made the last turn : 

“ That is what I call a short horse quickly 
curried I If you had spent two full days in 
accomplishing as much, I would have said the 
task was performed in reasonable order.^' 

“ I can’t see that you have done anything 


The Wreckers at Work 127 

more than moor the cask,” Doris said in per- 
plexity. 

You will soon understand that we work- 
men have advanced your interests in great 
shape/’ Mr. Bragg replied laughingly. We 
have not only moored one cask, but we have 
put the mooring chain in position to lift when 
we put the air power on. Will you try the 
stern, Mr. Barclay ? ” 

‘‘ There is no reason why we shouldn’t 
continue the good work,” and Mr. Barclay 
sent the power boat ahead until she was di- 
rectly over the stern of the wreck, after which 
similar preparations were made with the sec- 
ond chain. 

This portion of the labor was not finished 
so expeditiously. The tutor remained under 
water a full minute, and when he came to the 
surface, it was to report that the shoe of the 
propeller was submerged in the sand to such 
an extent that he could not slip the bight of 
the chain in place. 

I don’t claim that I can’t do it ; but it will 
take considerable time,” he said in conclusion, 
and then it was that Mr. Bragg made a valu- 
able suggestion : 


128 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Why not push one of the half-inch ropes 
beneath the sand at the end of the screw and 
go ahead gently till it holds ? Then, by work- 
ing on the rope, we should be able to cut a 
road in the sand.” 

That is exactly the idea I was needing I ” 
Mr. Barclay cried triumphantly, and as soon 
as it was possible to clamber on board he began 
overhauling one of the coils of small rope 
until he found the bight, when he dropped 
beneath the surface again. 

IVs all right if we go ahead slowly,” he 
said, when next the wreckers saw him. IVe 
got the rope where we want it ; but there^s an 
even chance it may slip when the strain is put 
on.” 

Start her slowly, and we^ll sheer to port a 
bit,” Mr. Bragg said as he took the helm. 

A moment later Captain Ezra^s craft forged 
ahead ; the two ends of the rope, which were 
made fast on board, tightened until they were 
like wires, and Mr. Barclay shouted gleefully : 

She holds I Now we should be able to 
work this rope after the fashion of a saw until 
we cut a channel for the chain I ” 

Leaving the motor still running in order to 


The Wreckers at Work 


129 


keep the rope taut, Mr. Barclay took one end, 
standing well over to starboard, while Mr. 
Bragg, on the port side, laid hold of the other, 
the two alternately pulling and slackening. 

During a full ten minutes the men thus 
worked, and that the labor was excessive could 
have been told by the perspiration which ran 
down their faces. Then Mr. Barclay an- 
nounced as his belief that the task had been 
completed, and the motor was stopped, after 
which the tutor descended once more, guiding 
himself by the chain which hung over the 
stern. 

Do you really think he can do it this 
time ? Doris asked as she strained her eyes 
to see the diver, and Mr. Bragg replied as he 
wiped his forehead vigorously : 

If he doesnT it^s a case of keeping up that 
kind of work until it is a success. We've only 
made a beginning as yet." 

Then the professor's head bobbed up on the 
starboard side, and there was little need to ask 
if he had been successful, for the answer could 
readily be read on his face. 

** That rope cut away the sand ten feet or 
more, and the chain is well under the keel, so 


130 The Wreck of the Princess” 

far from the shoe of the screw that there is no 
danger of springing it. I didn't count on get- 
ting so much done inside of two days ! " 

** Make the cask fast, and call it a day's 
work," Mr. Bragg said in a tone of content. 

I count on earning my wages ; but don't in- 
tend to do more than that. It's time we went 
home to see how matters are there." 


CHAPTER XI 


UNDER CANVAS 

The officers of the Newcome Wrecking 
Company, Limited, were not in favor of call- 
ing it a day^s work ” when it seemed as if 
they had but just begun that portion of the 
task which showed results ; but neither felt at 
liberty to make any protest against a sugges- 
tion of Mr. Bragg’s, even though that gentle- 
man professed to count himself only as one of 
the laborers. 

When a person had much the same as pre- 
sented you with a fine yacht and invited you 
to his home for a lengthy visit in order that 
the gift might be improved, it would be rank 
ingratitude to set yourself up in opposition to 
his wishes. 

So the company agreed to the proposition 
by making ready to go on shore ; but there 
must have been on their faces an expression 
which told that it would have pleased them 
better to continue the work, for Mr. Bragg 
said laughingly : 


131 


132 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


‘‘ Want to keep right on, thinking the 
‘ Princess ’ can be raised in short order, sim- 
ply because we have made two casks fast to 
the hull, eh ? You will have ample opportu- 
nity for work before the time comes when we 
can apply air-power to lift her, and what we 
might do during the few remaining hours of 
daylight wouldn’t count for very much. 
What do you say, Mr. Barclay ? ” 

We have made a good beginning, in view 
of the delay caused by going aground on the 
bar,” the tutor replied as he glanced toward 
Sam. ** I am more than ready to stop work 
now, for much diving, even in shallow water, 
is more than an amateur like myself cares to 
undertake.” 

** Oh, if you are tired already, that settles 
it,” Sam said quickly, speaking as if he felt a 
certain shame because a full-grown man had 
confessed to being so feeble. 

You must bear in mind, my lad, that even 
skilled divers cannot work beneath the sur- 
face more than three or four hours each day,” 
Mr. Bragg interrupted almost sharply. But 
it is not alone the question of diving which 
prompted me to suggest that we call it a day’s 


Under Canvas 


133 

work. There is yet much to be done on shore 
before the sun sets.’’ 

Do you mean that we must pile up all 
those casks ? ” and Doris looked in dismay at 
the collection of wrecking material lying in 
the sand. 

Unless you absolutely insist upon it, we 
won’t spend our time handling that lot of 
dunnage any more than may be absolutely 
necessary,” Mr. Bragg replied with a smile. 

The truth of the matter is that the tent 
must be put in shape as a lodging house before 
nightfall. My home is not so large that we 
can provide quarters for many guests, and 
Mrs. Bragg has proposed that Mr. Barclay 
and the boys use the tent as a sleeping 
room ” 

And are we to live in it?” Philip cried in 
delight. That will be the jolliest kind of 
sport ; besides, it will be possible for us to 
stand guard over the ‘ Princess ’ when she is 
so nearly out of water that we can’t afford to 
have strangers fooling around.” 

There was a certain look of disappointment 
on Doris’ face, as if it would have pleased her 
could she be numbered among those who were 


134 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


to live under canvas during the visit, and Mr. 
Bragg seemed to think it very comical, for he 
said as soon as he could check his mirth : 

“ I really believe you would prefer the tent 
to our house. 

“ I surely would like to live in the tent,^’ 
Doris replied, speaking slowly as if choosing 
her words. Of course it will be very nice at 
your home, and I shall enjoy myself there, 
but now that we have really begun to raise 
the * Princess ^ I should like to stay here on 
the shore every minute until she is afloat, 
though, of course, I know that cannot be,’’ 
she added with a sigh. 

I fancy the boys won’t watch over her 
sharply after dark, and the meals at my home 
shall be so served that you can spend all your 
waking time with the other officers of the 
company. And now if the matter is really 
settled, suppose we go ashore ? It stands to 
reason that Mr. Barclay will be pleased to 
get into dry clothes as soon as possible, for 
even here in Florida the air is chilling 
toward the close of the day.” 

Evidently Mr. Barclay had been impa- 
tiently waiting for this, because Mr. Bragg had 


Under Canvas 


135 

no sooner ceased speaking than he cried in 
a tone of command : 

Cast off the hawser, Philip I Take the 
helm, Miss Doris, and well soon have this 
craft anchored for the night.” 

** What we need is a small boat,” Sam said 
when Captain Ezra^s slow craft was puffing 
and wheezing on the way to the beach. 
“ How can you anchor in deep water without 
something to pull ashore in ? ” 

“ It will be a case of swimming to and 
fro until we get a tender, and that is what 
must be done very soon, if we count on work- 
ing to the best advantage,” Mr. Barclay re- 
plied, and then it was necessary to shut off 
the power because the motor boat was very 
near the shore. 

By running the bow of Captain Ezra^s craft 
up on the sand it was possible for the company 
to leap ashore without wetting their feet, and 
when all save himself had landed the tutor 
backed the boat into deep water, where the 
anchor was dropped. 

Then Mr. Barclay leaped over the rail, half 
swimming, half wading to the beach where 
the others awaited him, and Mr. Bragg said : 


36 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Get into your clothes and we will go to 
the house and report progress. The tent is to 
be used only as a sleeping room, and you will 
have your meals served in a civilized man- 
ner.” 

Mr. Barclay did not keep the party waiting 
many moments, and when he came out there 
was nothing in his appearance to show that he 
had been playing the part of diver. 

It was a very jolly company of grown-ups 
that the officers of the wrecking company 
found at Mr. Bragg^s home, and Doris imme- 
diately decided that even though her parents 
had no especial interest in raising the “ Prin- 
cess,’^ they were well pleased with this portion 
of the scheme. 

When dinner had been served the tutor 
and the boys made ready to go to their can- 
vas lodgings, acting on Phil’s suggestion that 
they retire early in order to be up with the 
sun, and Doris looked really sad as they 
trooped down the path leading to the shore, 
while two negro servants, laden with the beds 
and bedclothing, trailed on behind. 

Sam was not in the best of humors, and 
Phil, believing the lad was feeling sore be- 


Under Canvas 


»37 


cause of having run the motor boat ashore, 
made no attempt to enter into conversation 
with him until he revealed the cause of his 
dissatisfaction, by saying : 

It^s mighty tough that we’ve got to spend 
so much time each day in study, when we 
ought to be at the wrecking. I suppose if 
we had the * Princess ’ where she could be 
floated by putting in five minutes’ extra work, 
and it was the hour for musty books, the 
professor would insist that we knock off.” 

‘‘ Try to be correct in all your statements, 
Samuel,” the tutor interrupted in what to Phil 
sounded like a very jolly tone. “ Your books 
are not literally musty. However, there will 
be no interruption to the work this week.” 

What do you mean ? ” Phil asked. 

Your parents have decided that you may 
devote all your time to raising the ^Princess.’ 
If at the end of a week the work is so far 
advanced as to make it reasonably certain 
the task can be performed, I have no doubt 
but that the vacation will be extended.” 

The cloud vanished from Sam’s face with 
this information, and from that moment, until 
he made another blunder, he was as jolly a 


138 The Wreck of the Princess” 

comrade as the most exacting could have de- 
sired. 

When the beds had been made, and the serv- 
ants returned to the house, the boys would 
have sat outside the tent discussing plans for 
the following day. However, Mr. Barclay in- 
sisted that they retire without delay, even 
though it was yet early in the evening, to the 
end that work might be begun immediately 
another day dawned, and, much against his 
will, Sam was forced to obey. 

Unwilling though the boys had been to lie 
down, no more than five minutes passed, after 
they were in bed, before both were sleeping 
soundly, nor did either awaken until after a 
full hour, when a most dismal, blood-curdling 
cry brought them to their feet very sud- 
denly. 

What is it? What^s the matter?’^ Sam 
screamed, clutching Phil by the arm frantic- 
ally, and almost at the same instant the fear- 
some cry was repeated. 

“What is it?’^ Sam repeated impatiently, 
his teeth actually chattering with fear, and 
Phil, striving to overcome his terror, replied 
in a very shaky voice : 


Under Canvas 


»39 

I^m sure I don’t know ! Where’s Pro- 
fessor Andy? ” 

Not until this moment did Sam understand 
that the tutor was no longer in the tent, and 
the fact that he had disappeared served to 
intensify his fears. 

“ What has become of him ? ” he shrieked. 
“ Why don’t you hunt for Mr. Barclay ? ” 

Phil was so thoroughly bewildered and 
frightened that he stood like one dazed until 
his cousin had demanded that he strive to 
solve the mystery. Then, with uncertain 
steps, he went toward the flap of the tent, 
as if to venture out, when again was heard 
that terrible noise, and he ran back to 
the bed, where he crouched as if expect- 
ing an immediate attack by some terrible 
monster. 

“ Why don’t you do something?” Sam 
wailed, and Phil retorted angrily : 

** Why don’t you ? If I knew what kind of 
a thing is making that noise, I’d go out ; but 
what would be the use ? If the professor was 
anywhere near, he’d have come in by this 
time.” 

** Do you suppose that — that — that any- 


140 The Wreck of the ‘‘Princess” 


thing has carried him off? ” Sam threw him- 
self at full length on the bed moaning feebly, 
as if death was very near at hand. 

His cousin's terror seemed to give Phil 
courage, for, arising to his feet softly, he crept 
cautiously to the flap of the tent, where he 
gazed out in fear and trembling lest he should 
see some awful picture. 

Except amid the palmetto palms or in the 
deep shadows cast by the stack of oil casks, 
there was no place near at hand where an 
enemy, brute or human, could have been 
hidden, and, being thus in the open where he 
would have timely warning if any dreadful 
thing was coming, strengthened Phil's cour- 
age. 

‘‘ Come out here, Sam," he cried. It's 
better than hiding in the tent expecting every 
minute that something awful is going to 
happen." 

Can you see Mr. Barclay ? " 

Of course I can't, because he isn't here." 

What are we going to do about it ? " and 
Sam's head appeared through the flap of the 
tent. Of course, we can't stay here all night 
without trying to do something. Let's go up 


Under Canvas 


141 

to Mr. Bragg's. The men ought to be told 
what has happened." 

I wish we could tell them exactly what it 
is," Phil said half to himself, and added in a 
louder tone, " I suppose we must let them 
know, for it's certain the professor couldn't 
have disappeared so completely unless he’d 
been dragged away by some animal. Come 
on ; we'll go to the house." 

Sam so far succeeded in mastering his fears 
as to venture outside the tent, and then, 
clutching his cousin's hand as if thereby he 
might find protection, he followed as Phil ran 
swiftly in the direction of Mr. Bragg's home, 
making a wide detour lest they pass too near 
the shadows cast by the oil casks, where, pos- 
sibly, some enemy might be hidden. 


CHAPTER XII 


A TERRIBLE BIRD 

Unless the boys had heard that terrible 
cry, which appeared to come from the sea- 
shore rather than the thicket, they would 
have hardly mustered courage enough to make 
their way in the night through the foliage, 
where the shadows distorted bush and leaf 
until it was like unto nothing they had ever 
seen. 

They had hardly more than got among the 
palmettos when Sam began to fear they might 
be jumping out of the frying-pan into the fire, 
as he afterward expressed it, and, hanging 
back when Phil would have continued to ad- 
vance at his best speed, soon brought about a 
partial halt. 

“ WhaPs the matter ? Phil asked impa- 
tiently on finding that he could not make 
very rapid progress while his cousin was play- 
ing the part of drag. “ We'd better stayed in 
the camp than be loafing 'round here in the 
142 


A Terrible Bird 


H3 

thicket where there^s no knowing what kind 
of things we may run up against ! 

That's it, that’s just it!” Sam wailed. 
** I’d almost rather go back than keep on, for 
there must be lots of wild things around, else 
Mr. Bragg wouldn’t always have had his gun 
with him.” 

How will it better matters for us to stand 
here talking foolishly ? ” Phil demanded 
angrily. 

Don’t you believe we’d better go back ? ” 
and Sam hesitated in his speech, as if almost 
ashamed to thus confess that he was afraid of 
the shadows. 

I’d as soon stick it out in the tent, taking 
my chances that the animal wouldn’t find us, 
but we’ve got to do something about Professor 
Andy. He’s been carried away, that’s cer- 
tain, and we’re bound to give an alarm so Mr. 
Bragg can send out people to search for him.” 

Say,” Sam began tearfully, gripping his 
cousin’s arm with both hands, but before he 
could finish the sentence Phil shook off his 
hold with no slight show of anger, as he cried : 

“ If you’re afraid to go up to the house run 
to the tent and wait there till I get back.” 


144 


The Wreck of the Princess” 


I’d rather ” 

Again Sam was interrupted, and this time 
it was by the terrible scream which had 
awakened them so suddenly and painfully. 

There was no longer any question about go- 
ing to the tent, or remaining in the thicket 
discussing matters, for now it was Sam who 
took the lead, running as he never had run 
before, and Phil, whose footsteps were quick- 
ened by that fearsome scream, found it diffi- 
cult to keep pace with him. 

Not until they were come within view of 
Mr. Bragg’s home did the frightened Sam 
relax his efforts, and then he was so nearly 
breathless because of rapid running that he 
sank down on the sand, a crumpled, panting 
heap. 

Phil was breathing quite as heavily as his 
companion ; but he had his fears under better 
control, and instead of wasting time by puff- 
ing and blowing, began pounding vigorously 
on the front door in an effort to awaken the 
inmates, counting on recovering from the mad 
race while waiting for those within to answer 
his summons. 

Again and again he pounded, Sam groan- 


A Terrible Bird 


HS 


ing with every blow of his cousin^s fists, as if 
he received the thumping upon the most 
tender portion of his own body, until Phil 
cried sharply : 

Can’t you keep quiet a minute ? The 
people will think we are a lot of dying folks 
if you go on at that rate I ” 

They’ll never come ! They’ll never come, 
and who can tell but that the terrible beast is 
close behind us ! ” 

If the animal was big enough to carry off 
the professor your groaning won’t scare him 
away, so try to be decent till I waken some 
one.” 

‘^Who is there? What is wanted ?” came 
in a sharp, angry voice from behind the door. 

Mr. Bragg ! Mr. Bragg ! Open the 
door ! ” Phil cried, and Sam groaned even 
more loudly than before. 

Who is there ? ” the voice cried. 

It’s I ! Phil Newcome, and Sam’s here, 
too ! Something has lugged Professor Andy 
off, and there’s a terrible row I ” 

By this time the door was opened, and the 
scantily-clad form of the gentleman who was 
willing to give away a beautiful yacht, even 


146 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


though wrecked, in order to have something 
with which to occupy his idle time, stood 
revealed to view. 

What is the matter he asked, after 
making certain that it was, indeed, Philip 
Newcome who had aroused him, and he added 
in a tone of fear when Sam gave vent to a 
most doleful groan : Are you hurt badly ? ” 
“ Hurt nothing ! ” Phil cried, irritated be- 
cause Mr. Bragg could not understand the 
situation without asking so many questions. 
'' Professor Andy has been lugged off by some 
terrible animal 

By this time both Mr. Newcome and Mr. 
Norris had joined their host at the door, and 
PhiPs father seized him almost roughly by the 
shoulder, as he asked impatiently : 

“ What do you mean by saying the pro- 
fessor has been lugged off? Tell the story 
intelligently I ” 

ThaPs what I was trying to do ; but 

Phil ! Phil, what is the matter ? ’’ came 
in a shrill voice from somewhere in the dark 
interior of the house. “ Has anything hap- 
pened to the ^ Princess * ? ” 

'^Go back to your bed, Doris I Mr. New- 


A Terrible Bird 


»47 


come cried sharply, and then, actually shak- 
ing Phil, he said, as if the lad was unwilling 
to make explanations : Now, tell us what has 
happened, and cease interrupting yourself.’^ 

“ It seems as if you people were doing the 
interrupting,^^ and now Phil spoke in an 
injured tone. Sam and I were awakened 
by a most horrible screeching, and when we 
jumped up the professor wasn^t there. The 
beast, or whatever it was, must have carried 
him away, and we came here to let you know 
about it.^^ 

Fully five minutes passed before the gentle- 
men understood clearly what had happened, 
and then Mr. Bragg said in a businesslike 
tone : 

There are no wild animals anywhere about 
here, that is positive ; but if Mr. Barclay is 
really missing — and I donT suppose you boys 
could be mistaken in regard to his disappear- 
ance — we must know the meaning of it.^’ 

Instead of giving any further heed to Phil 
and Sam, the gentlemen disappeared within 
the house, to show themselves a few moments 
later fully clad. Mr. Bragg had his gun and 
the dog trailed close at his heels. 


148 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


“ Now we will solve the mystery of the dis- 
appearing professor/’ Mr. Newcome said as he 
led the way through the thicket. You 
boys keep close behind us.” 

There was no need to give such a command, 
for neither Sam nor Phil had any idea of 
straying very far from the leaders, especially 
while they were amid the palmettos, where 
the shadows were so grotesquely fearful. 

The leaders of the party came out from 
among the foliage on the shore, where could 
be seen the tent shimmering white in the 
moonlight and at the very instant a mourn- 
ful, unearthly cry could be heard apparently 
from the sand-bar. 

“ There I There I ” Sam cried, his voice 
trembling with fear. Now what about wild 
animals ? ” 

Was that the cry you heard before ? ” Mr. 
Bragg asked, as he wheeled sharply about to 
face the lads. 

“ Yes, sir,” Phil replied, while Sam crouched 
behind him that he might shelter himself by 
his cousin’s body in case an attack was made. 

And you think the animal that made it 
carried off the professor ? ” 


A Terrible Bird 


149 

‘‘ He wasn’t in the tent, and we couldn’t 
see him anywhere ” 

Well, lads, it may be that something 
serious has happened to the professor, but I’m 
inclined to think you have routed us out 
simply to hear a loon crying,” and Mr. Bragg 
laughed heartily. 

Is that a loon, sir? ” Phil asked, but there 
was no need to hear the reply, for his father 
and uncle were indulging in such hearty 
mirth that there could be no question as to 
his having shown himself very nearly foolish. 

But a loon is a bird,” Sam said quickly, 
as if such a fact would disprove Mr. Bragg’s 
statement. 

So it is, my lad,” Mr. Newcome replied as 
soon as he could check his mirth ; “ but it 
doesn’t prove that you are not much like the 
boy in the nursery rhymes, * born in the 
woods to be scared by an owl.’ Now if it is 
shown that the disappearance of Mr. Barclay 
has no better foundation than your story about 
wild animals, we have lost a goodly portion of 
our night’s rest because of your ignorance.” 

Both Sam and Phil were gazing straight 
ahead, not caring to meet the mocking glances 


150 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


of the gentlemen, and thus had the tent in full 
view, when, to their great surprise and intense 
chagrin. Professor Andy came out of it, look- 
ing about as if to learn the cause of the noise. 

You surely must have been frightened, if 
you believed that Mr. Barclay had disap- 
peared,^' Mr. Norris said in a fine tone of 
sarcasm, and even a tongue-tied man might 
have counted twenty before Phil recovered 
from his shame and amazement sufficiently to 
say stoutly : 

“ He surely wasn't there when we left. I 
was mighty well scared by the cry, but not so 
much that I couldn't make out whether the 
professor's bed was empty." 

Has anything gone wrong ? " Professor 
Andy asked, as he came toward the party. 

The boys reported your disappearance — 
said you had been carried off by some savage 
beast, and we have come to save your life, if 
that be possible," Mr. Bragg replied laugh- 
ingly. 

*'Save my life?" the professor repeated as 
if in bewilderment, and then, seemingly 
understanding better the situation, he also 
began to laugh. Did the boys miss me ? " 


A Terrible Bird 


» 5 » 

** It looks that way, unless you really left 
the tent for a while/’ 

That is exactly what I did,” and again the 
professor laughed. I couldn’t sleep, and 
knowing how sadly we would need a tender 
for the motor boat when working to-morrow, 
thought to economize time by going after one. 
It was a bright night ; I ran up to Captain 
Curtis’ landing, took a skiff without asking 
leave, and have been back no more than five 
minutes.” 

The wild, savage animal proves to be an 
innocent old loon, and the disappearing pro- 
fessor turns out to be an humble laborer in 
the employ of the Newcome Wrecking Com- 
pany, Limited, who was willing to deprive 
himself of sleep in order to forward his em- 
ployer’s interests,” Mr. Bragg said, in what 
Phil fancied was a sarcastic tone. After 
having thus solved all the mysteries, I fancy 
we are no longer needed as dragon fighters, 
therefore, can go home again.” 

Neither Phil nor Sam made reply ; both 
were wretchedly ashamed and at the same 
time angry with themselves for thus having 
proved that they were cowards. 


CHAPTEE XIII 


WKECKING 

When Philip opened his eyes once more the 
morning sun was streaming in through the 
open flap of the tent. Mr. Barclay had dis- 
appeared again, and Sam, his mouth opened 
wide, was breathing so heavily that one could 
not have been accused of straining the truth 
in saying that he was really snoring. 

Phil was on the point of springing to his 
feet in order to continue the work of wrecking 
at the earliest possible moment, when he 
remembered what had taken place during the 
night. 

“ Theyfll be expecting us at Mr. Bragg^s to 
get breakfast, and I just can^t go, that^s all 
there is to it,’^ he said to himself. It would 
be mighty tough to face Doris alone, but to 
have the whole crowd roughing into a fellow 
is more than a dose. I^d rather get along with- 
out a dozen meals than pay such a price as that, 
though I don’t suppose a fellow could live a 
very great while without something to eat. 

152 


Wrecking 153 

What precious idiots Sam and I did make of 
ourselves last night, and to think of his trying 
to shove all the blame on me ! ” 

He was yet occupied with very disagreeable 
thoughts, when Mr. Barclay looked in through 
the flap of the tent, and asked, without dis- 
turbing Sam^s noisy slumbers : 

“ Isn't it nearly time you made ready to go 
for breakfast ? ” 

“ I'm not going," Phil replied curtly, roll- 
ing over until his face was buried in the pillow, 
as intimation that he did not care to discuss 
the matter. 

The tutor had no idea of allowing him to 
have his own way, and, seating himself by 
the side of the bed, said in a friendly tone, 
such as one good comrade would use with 
another : 

Don't be a coward, Philip. This is a case 
where you must pay the price, and to do so 
with a cheerful face entitles you to a heavy 
discount. You must meet the gentlemen 
sooner or later, for even though you stay here, 
determined not to show yourself at the house, 
they are certain to come in a few hours, and 
then you will suffer more than if we went up 


154 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


boldly for breakfast. Make your toilet at 
once, and I will wake Sam.” 

While one might have counted twenty Phil 
remained silent and irresolute, and then, as if 
having decided upon his course of action, he 
leaped to his feet, Mr. Barclay saying encour- 
agingly ; 

‘‘ That’s the way to go about it, Philip. It’s 
much like taking a plunge into icy water ; the 
first shock is the most disagreeable.” 

Then the tutor awakened Sam, and that 
young gentleman remarked, after having in- 
dulged in much grumbling because he had 
been aroused so early in the morning : 

1 reckon Phil is bound to get it pretty 
rough when he shows up at the house. Even 
Mr. Bragg will fire a shot at him.” 

Hadn’t you any share in last night’s 
trouble, Samuel ? ” Mr. Barclay asked almost 
sternly. 

Well, of course, I was with Phil ; but his 
getting frightened was what mixed me all up. 
If I’d had time to look around I should have 
seen that the motor boat wasn’t at anchor, 
and then the whole thing would have been 
plain.” 


Wrecking 155 

** Even to the fearful screams of that blood- 
thirsty wild animal ? '' the tutor asked mean- 
ingly. 

''That's where Phil set me off again. I’d 
never heard a loon scream, and who would 
have believed that a plain, every-day bird 
could have made such a hair-raising noise ? ” 

" If you are wise, Sam, you will admit a full 
share in the display of cowardice, because no 
one will believe that your weakness was 
brought , about by Philip. Take good-na- 
turedly all the quips and jokes that are dealt 
out, and much good may come of it.” 

" I’d like to know what advantage can come 
of listening to a lot of talk,” and now there 
was a tone of sulkiness in Sam’s voice. 

" It may teach you to look about carefully 
before yielding to fear of the unknown. 
Suppose you and Philip, after hearing the 
strange cries, and discovering that I was no 
longer in the tent, had said it was unreason- 
able to suppose Mr. Bragg would have proposed 
that you sleep here if there were dangerous 
beasts in the vicinity, and had tried to discover 
the meaning of the noise ? Then, most likely, 
you would have learned that the motor boat 


156 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


was no longer at her anchorage, and with such 
knowledge as a starting point, might have hit 
upon so much of the truth as would have 
prevented you from giving a needless alarm. 

Sam was not a lad who cared to receive 
advice, or hear of his own shortcomings, 
therefore he walked out of the tent before the 
tutor had come to an end of his lecture, but 
Mr. Barclay was satisfied that he would not 
again attempt to throw upon his cousin the 
blame of what had happened during the night. 

Phil was unusually silent while the three 
walked slowly through the thicket to Mr. 
Bragg’s house. When they entered the dwell- 
ing, every member of the assembled company 
greeted them with what sounded very like 
words of derision. Before breakfast had come 
to an end, however, the subject was apparently 
exhausted, and once more the question of rais- 
ing the Princess ” came under discussion. 

Because of his guests, Mr. Bragg decided 
that he would not take an active part in the 
work on that day, therefore the young people 
and their tutor set off alone to continue the 
task of mooring the oil casks to the sunken 
yacht. 


Wrecking 157 

It proved to be monotonous work before the 
day was very old, and when noon came and 
the tutor insisted that all hands should indulge 
in a siesta after eating luncheon, not a member 
of the party made any protest. 

The tender had been most serviceable in 
working back and forth from the power boat 
to the shore, or in towing out single casks, 
and because Professor Andy had taken it into 
his head to disappear ” during a certain 
portion of the night, much time and labor had 
been saved. 

During the morning Doris acted as pilot of 
the motor boat, discharging her duties to the 
satisfaction of all except, possibly, Sam, who 
yet had the idea that he of all the company 
was best fitted by nature and experience to 
handle such a craft. 

Much had been accomplished during this 
half-day, for when the work had temporarily 
come to an end, fourteen casks were moored 
to the wreck, and all filled with water, so that 
they might be brought as near the hull as 
possible before the air was let in to give them 
lifting power. 

From this moment until the end of the 


158 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


week, work was continued with no other in- 
terruptions. It was a case, as Sam said irri- 
tably, of ** working like beasts during every 
hour of daylight, with never any play thrown 
in,^^ and the members of the wrecking com- 
pany came to understand that they would be 
forced to pay a stiff price for the “ Princess 
in event of success, with the chance of having 
labored in vain many days, for, of course, all 
admitted the possibility of failure. 

Because of his guests, Mr. Bragg no longer 
took an active part in the wrecking operations. 
He, together with Mr. Newcome and Mr. 
Norris, came down on the shore at least once 
each day to gaze at the laborers a certain short 
time, and at the dinner table he insisted that 
a detailed account of the work already per- 
formed be given. Other than that, however, 
it was as if he had ceased to care whether the 
‘‘ Princess remained at the bottom or was 
floated again. 

After the first twenty-four hours succeeding 
the appearance of the loon and the disappear- 
ance of the professor, the jokes and quips con- 
cerning the fright of the boys seemed to have 
lost zest, and the matter was not spoken of. 


Wrecking 159 

except now and then by Doris, when Sam 
was disposed to scoff at girls as captains of 
motor boats. 

Mr. Barclay's scheme for raising the Prin- 
cess ” was very simple, so far as detail went, 
but required severe and protracted labor. A 
sufficient number of empty oil casks were to 
be attached to the hull to raise her a certain 
number of inches from the bottom each day, 
the tide and air being harnessed in such man- 
ner as to become the important factors in the 
work. 

Having ascertained how many cubic inches 
of air each cask would contain, and how much 
lifting power was necessary to raise the 
Princess ” from her sandy bed, it was a 
simple matter to decide just how many casks 
would be required in the task. 

Mr. Barclay had already, as has been told, 
put in place chains at the bow and stern of 
the wreck to which the casks filled with wa- 
ter were to be made fast. When a sufficient 
number had been secured to the chains, and 
all the slack taken in at extreme low tide, 
then the water would be pumped out, and the 
bungs driven in until the air could not escape. 


i6o The Wreck of the ^‘Princess” 


Thus it will be seen that when the tide 
flowed, after all had been made ready, the 
empty casks would raise the submerged hull 
a certain number of inches. Then, as Mr. 
Barclay had said, the wreck could be towed 
into shallow water, when the tide was at its 
height, and after it had fallen, the process of 
filling the casks again with water, taking in 
the slack of the cables, and admitting more 
air, must be repeated. 

Therefore it was that after the necessary 
number of casks had been put in place, and 
the Princess was lifted a bit, it would be 
necessary for the wreckers to work by night 
as well as day in order to take advantage of 
the tides. 

At last came that day when the ** oil-cask 
power ” was first applied, and the officers of 
the Newcome Wrecking Company, Limited, as 
well as their parents, gathered on the shore to 
learn whether Mr. Barclay’s plan was to be a 
failure or a success. 

It was ten o’clock in the forenoon of Fri- 
day, when the tide had ebbed lowest. Two 
hours prior to that the tutor and the boys had 
worked feverishly, pumping water from the 


Wrecking i6i 

casks, bringing the task to an end exactly at 
the desired moment. 

In the tent, that they might be sheltered 
from the fervid rays of the sun, were gathered 
Mr. Bragg, his wife, and their guests, while 
here and there on the shore, too highly ex- 
cited to give any heed to the heat, were mem- 
bers of the wrecking company, their eyes 
fixed upon the spars of the Princess ” and 
the cluster of buoyant casks. 

There is no good reason why you should 
watch so closely just now,^’ the professor said 
to Doris, who was standing so near the edge 
of the water that tiny ripples flowed over her 
shoes. ** Even if our plan is proven to be the 
proper one, it will be at least two hours before 
the tide can have any effect upon our floats.^^ 
But I just canT do anything but watch, 
Doris replied nervously. ** I know we 
shouldnT expect a change for a long while ; 
but I donT want to miss seeing anything that 
may happen.^^ 

Sam soon tired of gazing at the motionless 
casks, and went, as if on the verge of the 
sulks, to the clump of palmetto palms and lay 
down. Phil paddled off* to the motor boat, in 


i 62 The Wreck of the Princess” 


order to be nearer the wreck, and the professor 
paced to and fro trying, with very poor suc- 
cess, to make it appear as if he had no doubts 
regarding the outcome. 

To the guests in the tent, who were not so 
deeply interested in the work, the time did 
not seem unreasonably long ; but Doris felt 
positive the day must have been well-nigh 
spent, and that the tide had refused to do its 
duty, before Professor Andy, coming close to 
her side, said in a half whisper : 

Now you may watch with some promise of 
seeing the result of our work. Do you notice 
that a heavy strain is being put on the cables? 

“ How do you know ? 

Keep your eyes on the casks, and you will 
see them roll here and there as they settle 
down to the bearing point. In less than half 
an hour there will be a different angle to the 
spars, or I have made a big mistake in my 
calculations.'^ 

Perhaps it would have been as well if Doris' 
attention had not been called to the fact that 
already was the tide exerting its strength upon 
the wreck, for when the casks had turned this 
way or that, until all were settled well down 


Wrecking 163 

to their proper bearings and remained motion- 
less, she, believing the “ Princess ” could not 
be lifted from the sand, turned away in sore 
distress, her eyes filled with tears of disap- 
pointment. 

Then, when it seemed as if she must run 
away somewhere and get out of sight in order 
to give full vent to her grief, a shout of 
triumph from Phil caused her to wheel 
around very suddenly. 

She saw that which caused her heart to beat 
wildly, and it seemed difficult to breathe as 
the casks were pulled lower and lower in the 
water, while the spars of the wreck swayed to 
and fro gently. 

She’s coming ! ” Mr. Bragg cried. You 
have done your work well, professor.” 

Is the * Princess ’ really coming up?” 
Doris asked of her father, and he replied with 
a laugh : 

I don’t fancy she will leap straight in the 
air ; but there is no question as to her being 
lifted from the sand, and even though she 
clears the bottom by no more than two inches, 
we shall know that it is only a question of 
time before getting her high and dry.” 


164 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Then came a mighty commotion among the 
casks ; the spars swayed to and fro violently, 
and Professor Andy announced quietly : 

“ I allow that this tide will lift her at least 
six inches. Get under way with the motor 
boat, lads, and we’ll make ready to tow her 
nearer in shore.” 


CHAPTER XIV 


THE WRECK RAISED 

There could no longer be any question 
that the empty casks were being raised by 
the tide, and, as a matter or course, lifting 
the “ Princess ” from her bed of sand. 

The officers of the Newcome Wrecking 
Company, Limited, were literally wild with 
excitement when the spars of the wreck 
swayed gently to and fro, telling that the 
yacht was afloat, even though submerged, and 
the older members of the group on the beach 
were quite as boisterous in their joy when 
Phil proposed that three cheers be given for 
Professor Andy. 

During ten minutes or more wreckers as 
well as spectators gave full vent to their re- 
joicing, and then came the question as to how 
long it might be before the “ Princess had 
been raised and towed so near inshore that 
her bow would be exposed to view at low 
water. 


165 


i66 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


“ Of course we can’t work on Sunday, and 
here it is Friday,” Sam said disconsolately, as 
if he already had given up every hope of sav- 
ing the yacht simply because the week was so 
nearly spent. If we have her knocking 
around among all those casks, there’s no know- 
ing what will happen between Saturday night 
and Monday morning.” 

“ Unless the chains give way, she will hang 
to the casks all the while,” Mr. Barclay replied 
in a tone of content. But much can be done 
before low water Saturday evening, and we 
should work quickly. We’ll back the motor 
boat out in order to make the hawsers fast, 
and begin the work of towing when the tide 
is at its full height.” 

It was well that the officers of the wreck- 
ing company had something with which to 
occupy their hands while waiting for the 
water to rise, otherwise they might so far 
have lost patience as to behave in a man- 
ner unseemly in successful wreckers. 

Sam was so eager to be doing something 
toward bringing the Princess ” ashore that 
he actually forgot to make any attempt at 
acting the part of captain, and allowed Doris 


The Wreck Raised 167 

to take her station at the wheel without a 
word of protest. 

It surely seemed as if Mr. Barclay spent 
very much more time than was absolutely 
necessary in making the hawsers fast to the 
chain which had been swung under the bow 
of the Princess ” ; but even when he had 
come to an end of the task, there were at 
least four hours to be spent in waiting before 
the time arrived when real work might be 
begun. 

You^re likely to stay some time before 
the tide is at its height, and we old people 
may as well go back to the house,'^ Mr. Bragg 
shouted from the shore. Til see that you 
have something to eat as soon as you are 
ready for it, and in the meanwhile I wish 
you success.” 

Why don^t you come with us, Doris?” 
Mrs. Newcome cried. “ You surely can’t 
wish to sit in that boat three or four hours? ” 

^‘But I do, mother. I really couldn’t go 
away from here now that we have raised 
the ‘ Princess ’ ever so little from the bottom, 
and I must be at the wheel when we begin to 
tow her inshore ! ” 


i68 The Wreck of the ‘‘Princess” 


“ Perhaps you won^t see anything of the 
kind/' Sam cried, much as if it gave him 
pleasure to suggest disagreeable possibilities. 
“ This craft may not be heavy enough to tow 
the wreck ; the chain may give way, or a 
dozen other things happen to prevent our get- 
ting the ^ Princess ' ashore." 

“ Pm not going to allow myself to believe 
anything so dreadful," Doris replied emphat- 
ically. “ When we first began the work it 
seemed impossible that those casks could raise 
the ‘ Princess ' ever so little, but now it has 
been done, and we know she has been lifted 
out of the sand, I am certain we shall finish 
the task, that is, unless Professor Andy de- 
cides he won’t have anything more to do with 
the wrecking." 

There’s no fear of that, Miss Doris," the 
tutor cried cheerily. I’ll stick to the job to 
the end." 

Then the young people began discussing 
the question of how the yacht could be re- 
paired after she was so far out of water that 
the injury done her bow would be exposed to 
view, and, although they did not arrive at 
any definite conclusion, the subject was ap- 


The Wreck Raised 169 

parently exhausted some time before the 
slowly rising tide was at its height. 

Even Doris became impatient before Pro- 
fessor Andy gave the word to start the motor, 
and as the time passed Sam succeeded in dis- 
covering a host of bugbears, one or all of which 
might contribute to prevent them from finish- 
ing the work of wrecking successfully, until 
even the tutor gave token of being irritated. 

“ We shall be forced to spend many idle 
hours waiting for the tides,’^ he said rather 
sharply, and if we can do no better than 
find reasons why the work may be a failure, 
I shall propose that we utilize the time by 
study, in order to cease looking ahead for pos- 
sible trouble.” 

This had the effect of reducing Master Sam 
to silence, and during nearly an entire hour 
he held his peace. 

Then the weary watchers saw servants from 
Mr. Bragg's home bringing food to the tent, 
and Doris said with a little sigh of relief : 

'' It must be nearly high tide, else they 
wouldn't have sent our luncheon, knowing 
we couldn't eat it until the wreck had been 
towed inshore,” 


170 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess’" 


In that they are right/' Professor Andy 
said promptly, and there was that in the tone 
of his voice which told he also was pleased be- 
cause the time for action had come. Hold 
the helm straight for the shore at the nearest 
point, and I will start the motor. We must 
do this work slowly, or take the chances of 
pulling Captain Curtis’ boat apart. All ready 
now ! ” 

Doris gripped the spokes of the wheel ; Phil 
and Sam sat bolt upright in breathless sus- 
pense, and Mr. Barclay put all his strength 
on the heavily-weighted disk that served as a 
starter for the motor. 

The little craft went ahead in reponse to 
the movements of the screw, then came to a 
full stop as the hawsers were drawn taut, and 
during two or three breathless moments the offi- 
cers of the wrecking company watched eagerly 
to see whether the yacht moved. 

You can’t start her I ” Sam cried in what 
sounded much like a tone of triumph. ^‘This 
boat isn’t strong enough to serve as a tug I ” 

“ There she goes ! ” Phil shouted so loudly 
that the servants on the beach looked up in 
alarm. '' She’s swinging around all right I 


The Wreck Raised 171 

Hurrah for the ' Princess ^ and Professor 
Andy ! ” 

There was no longer any question that the 
wreck was moving through the water, very 
slowly to be sure, but none the less certainly, 
and Professor Andy increased the speed 
slightly as he cried nervously : 

Watch the spars, and give the word when 
they seem to pitch forward ever so little. It 
isn’t likely we can go very far before striking 
the bottom again, and it is necessary we shut 
off the power instantly she brings up, otherwise 
we shall pull her nose deeper in the sand.” 

Doris did not consider that she was in- 
cluded in this command. As the helmsman, 
it was necessary she keep the boat steady on 
her course, and this could not be done if she 
watched the spars. 

Phil and Sam, however, kept their eyes 
fixed upon the tapering masts which swayed 
to and fro gently as the hull was dragged 
shoreward, and expecting each instant that 
the motor boat would be brought up suddenly; 
but to the surprise of all, even including Pro- 
fessor Andy, the little craft forged ahead until 
she was half-way to the shore. 


172 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Then came a warning cry from Phil. 
There was a sudden lurch of the casks, and 
the tutor shut off the motor quickly, saying 
as he did so : 

We have gained fully twice as much in 
distance as I had hoped for, and if as good 
headway can be made on the next tide, I’ll 
guarantee to have the bow of the ‘ Princess’ 
showing high up on the sand when the tide 
goes down Saturday night.” 

Then he began to cast off the hawsers, and 
Phil cried in alarm : 

“What are you doing? The wreck will 
drift off if we don’t hold her till the tide goes 
down a bit.” 

“ No fear of that. The ‘ Princess ’ is on the 
bottom now, and there she’ll stay until we are 
ready to start her inshore again. Now we’ll 
have something to eat, for there is hard work 
before us during the next twelve hours.” 

“Such as what?” Sam asked him in his 
aged-uncle tone. 

“ The casks must be filled with water, so 
they will sink as deeply as possible, and 
pumped out again when the tide has ebbed, 
after we have taken in the slack of the chains. 


The Wreck Raised 


173 

I fancy we shan’t spend many idle moments 
during this coming night.” 

Are we to keep at it every minute ? ” 
Sam asked in alarm. 

That is the only way in which the work 
can be done properly,” the tutor replied in 
a tone that admitted of no argument. 

By this time the bow of the motor boat was 
on the sand, and Doris leaped lightly over the 
rail, crying as she ran toward the tent : 

“ We mustn’t waste any more time in eating 
or talking than may be actually necessary, for 
it would be dreadful if, after having done so 
well, we failed because of idleness.” 

Even Sam, who was no friend to hard work, 
followed the example set by Doris, and while 
the officers of the Newcome Wrecking Com- 
pany, Limited, partook of a very hearty 
luncheon, they gave words to the pleasure and 
pride which was theirs because the most diffi- 
cult portion of the task had been performed. 

I wish Captain Ezra could see the spars of 
the ‘ Princess ’ now ! ” Phil said as he arose to 
his feet, his hunger appeased. He seemed to 
think we were the worst kind of idiots, and 
yet it hasn’t been so very difficult.” 


174 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


‘^For all of which you may thank your 
books/' Professor Andy said with a laugh. 

An ignorant man like Captain Curtis could 
only go at the task in a haphazard sort of way, 
while we, thanks to the knowledge gained by 
study, knew exactly what must be done before 
beginning the task. Therefore, you see that 
time spent poring over musty volumes, as some 
of you call them, isn't wasted, no matter what 
you may set about in the way of work." 

Then the tutor led the way to the motor 
boat once more, and soon all the wrecking 
company were busily engaged submerging the 
casks which had done such good service. 

While they were thus employed the gentle- 
men and ladies from the home of Mr. Bragg 
came down to see what had been done, and 
the young people were heartened wondrously 
by hearing the exclamations of astonishment 
because the wreck was so near inshore. 

“ You'll turn the trick in two more tides, 
eh ? " Mr. Bragg called to Professor Andy. I 
doubt if the boys can keep at work so long, 
and I had best send some men to help you." 

We'd rather do it ourselves ! " Phil cried. 
“ It won't hurt us to keep at it one night, and 


The Wreck Raised 175 

the understanding was that the wreck should 
be raised by us without assistance.” 

“ What’s the sense of that ? ” Sam whispered. 

If he is willing to send some one to do the 
heavy work, why not let him ? The ‘ Princess ’ 
will be ours just the same.” 

But I had rather earn her honestly, than 
show the white feather simply because there’s 
a bit of hard work to be done,” Phil said 
stoutly, and Doris added heartily : 

“ That’s right, Phil. Badly as I should feel 
to lose the ‘ Princess,’ I’d rather we never had 
her, than to break the agreement ! ” 

Sam could do no less than buckle down 
to real labor after this conversation, and it 
should be said to his credit that he made no 
further protest against doing a full share, even 
when he was so sleepy that it seemed impos- 
sible to hold his eyes open. 

The visitors did not remain long after 
learning what had been accomplished, and the 
officers of the wrecking company, together 
with Professor Andy, labored industriously 
until the tide had ebbed. 

They had had no more than time in which 
to complete the task, for in addition to sub- 


176 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


merging and then pumping the water out of 
the casks, a full hour was spent taking up the 
slack of the chains, and every one of the party 
was willing to go on shore for a short rest 
before using the motor boat again as a tug. 

Night had fully come before the casks raised 
the “ Princess” for the second time from the 
sand ; but the wreckers were no longer eager 
to keep close watch on the spars, knowing 
that, unless some accident overtook them, the 
wreck would be raised as in the first case. 

Mr. Barclay proposed that the young people 
lie down in order to get some sleep before it 
should be time to set about the work again, 
but even while he was speaking the gentlemen 
came to the tent, followed by servants with a 
hearty dinner for the laborers, and Doris 
learned, much to her sorrow and disappoint- 
ment, that she would not be allowed to take 
any part in the wrecking until the following 
morning. 

The boys ate heartily, as can well be fancied, 
and then, thanks to Mr. Barclay, had oppor- 
tunity for considerable sleep before the motor 
boat was hooked on to the spars to play the 
part of tug. 


The Wreck Raised 


177 


This time the wreck was not brought inshore 
more than a hundred feet ; but, as Phil said 
triumphantly, it was just so much gained, and 
then all three set about the weary backaching 
work of filling and emptying the casks again. 

When the sun rose next morning everything 
was in readiness for the incoming tide, and 
Phil and Sam were sleeping soundly, with Mr. 
Barclay on guard, at the moment Doris ar- 
rived, breathless from rapid walking and ex- 
citement. 


CHAPTER XV 


SHIP CARPENTERS 

“ If you could only have pulled her a little 
nearer in we’d be able to see the bow by this 
time I ” Doris cried excitedly, as she ran to the 
very edge of the water and stood peering out 
toward the wreck, regardless of the fact that 
each tiny wave covered the toes of her boots. 

“ One more pull, and I am counting that 
we’ll be able to see a good third of her hull 
within the next twelve hours,” Mr. Barclay 
replied in a tone which told that he was proud 
because the work was so far advanced. 

“ And you believe she will be close up on 
the shore by that time ? ” Doris asked breath- 
lessly. 

Unless some accident happens, I am posi- 
tive we will have finished the task of raising 
her. Once we can come at the bow, it will be 
only a matter of patching up the hole, and 
then pumping her dry.” 

178 


ship Carpenters 179 

** But we can’t work to-morrow,” Doris added 
mournfully. 

It is well for Philip and Samuel that 
Sunday is coming. They are nearly fagged 
from laboring so long and so hard last night,” 
the tutor said with a smile, and Doris added 
quickly : 

They have no business to even think of 
being tired, when the work is going on so well. 
What is to be done now ? ” 

Nothing save wait for the tide. We took 
in all the slack of the chain while the casks 
were submerged, and then pumped them dry 
that they might be filled with air. It is a 
question of waiting, and the boys are taking 
advantage of the opportunity to sleep. In 
about four hours we shall hook on Captain 
Curtis’ boat, and pull the ^ Princess ’ inshore for 
the last time. By three o’clock this afternoon 
I am counting that we can have a good view of 
the damage done to the hull.” 

The boys, tired and sleepy though they were, 
could not fail to be aroused by Doris’ voice, 
for, in her excitement, she had spoken loudly, 
and by this time Phil, looking as if he was 
not more than half awake, was standing at 


i8o The Wreck of the ‘‘Princess” 


the flap of the tent gazing at the spars of the 
“ Princess/^ 

'' We didn’t do half a bad job last night, eh, 
Doris? ” he cried triumphantly. 

Indeed you didn’t, and the wonder of it is 
that you could sleep when the work was so 
nearly finished.” 

“ If you’d spent nearly the entire night 
pumping water out of the casks, and then 
straining and pulling at the chains, you’d be 
mighty well pleased to get a little sleep,” Sam 
cried from the interior of the tent, and Phil 
added hungrily : 

Do they count on sending our breakfast 
down here, or are we to go up to the house 
after it ? ” 

** Father thought you’d better come there, 
if you weren’t too busy, and I’ll go, too, for I 
haven’t had anything yet in the way of a 
meal,” Doris replied cheerily. I was so 
eager to see how much had been done last 
night that I have awakened half a dozen times 
since last night, hoping it might be light 
enough for me to pay you a visit.” 

Mr. Barclay interrupted the conversation to 
suggest that they make their toilets and go to 


ship Carpenters i8i 

Mr. Bragg’s house as soon as possible, in order 
to arrive before preparations were made for 
sending food to the shore, and, half an 
hour later, the Newcome Wrecking Com- 
pany, Limited, was at table, each mem- 
ber trying to explain at the same moment 
how much progress had been made in the 
work. 

Doris was sadly disappointed because the 
news which they brought did not excite more 
enthusiasm, and when she gave words to the 
thought in her mind Mr. Bragg replied in a 
matter-of-fact tone : 

It isn’t really any news when you say 
that the ‘ Princess ’ is so much nearer the 
shore, except as it informs us of the progress 
in the work. When it was learned that the 
empty casks would raise her ever so little from 
the bottom we knew that in time the yacht 
would be afloat. The question now is whether 
the Newcome Wrecking Company, Limited, 
has sufficient skill to repair the damage done 
so that the ‘ Princess ’ will be in a seaworthy 
condition.” 

Are we expected to do the work of ship 
carpenters ? ” Sam asked in surprise. I 


i 82 The Wreck of the Princess” 


thought she was to be our property if we 
succeeded in floating her.” 

'' Well, so you count that she will be afloat 
to-night? ” 

She’ll be so far on the beach that her bow 
will be out of water,” Sam replied, as if it was 
in his mind that Mr. Bragg was looking about 
for some chance to draw back from the bar- 
gain he had made. 

‘‘ If you look at the contract between the 
Newcome Wrecking Company, Limited, and 
the owner of the * Princess,’ you will And that 
she was to become the property of the com- 
pany when she had been raised to the sur- 
face,” Mr. Bragg replied, with a business-like 
air. Now I ask any of the gentlemen here 
if a boat can be said to be on the surface when 
her bow rests on the shore, with half or two- 
thirds of the hull submerged twice every day 
when the tide is at its height ? ” 

“ It is evident that the company, in order to 
make good its title, must show the yacht 
afloat,” Mr. Norris said, laughingly. 

But we can’t mend the boat,” Doris cried, 
half-questioningly, as she looked at Mr. 
Barclay, and by the tone of her voice it could 


ship Carpenters 183 

be understood that she was grievously dis- 
appointed. 

Why not ? the tutor asked. As com- 
pared with raising the boat, it is quite a 
simple matter. I am not allowing that it 
will be done in a thoroughly workmanlike 
manner, but it should be possible for your 
company to make her seaworthy.^’ 

“ We're not carpenters," Sam cried, irri- 
tably. 

“ Neither were you wreckers until this 
piece of work came your way, but having 
done so much, it seems to me that you should 
be able to complete the task to the satisfaction 
of all concerned." 

The members of the company were silent 
for a time, revolving in their minds this new 
view of the situation, and then Phil asked, 
looking at his father : 

If we are to turn ship carpenters the 
question is whether we can have another 
week to ourselves, or if we must spend the 
greater portion of the time in study ? " 

All that has been settled, my lad," Mr. 
Bragg replied. “ Your parents have con- 
sented to spend another week here, and you 


184 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


are to do as you please during that time, 
except that you are not to alarm the house in 
case you hear a loon screaming/^ 

While the older people were still laughing 
the wrecking company left the dining-room, 
hastening at once to the shore, although 
nothing could be done there save keep watch 
of the spars to learn when the empty casks 
raised the Princess once more. 

As before, the tide did its duty, and the 
wreckers were in the highest state of excite- 
ment when, by the gentle swaying to and fro 
of the spars, they understood that the yacht 
was afloat. 

A full hour before it was time to pull the 

Princess shoreward Captain Ezra^s boat 
was made fast for towing, and on this occasion 
Mr. Barclay was very careful to see that the 
motor was in the best possible condition for 
the work. 

'' Well shorten the hawsers as much as 
possible, so this craft can run well in to the 
shore, and this time it^s a case of taking 
chances, for I donl count on slowing down 
until we have pulled the bow of the yacht as 
far into the sand as our power will admit. 


ship Carpenters 185 

Then, after what seemed like an unusually 
long time of waiting, Mr. Barclay, looking at 
his watch, announced that the tide was at its 
height, and said as he made ready to start the 
motor : 

“ Keep her headed for the shore on the 
most direct course, Miss Doris. Philip and 
Samuel are to come aft, so the screw may be 
well submerged, and we’ll do our last bit of 
tow-boat work.” 

When the small craft had been trimmed to 
satisfy the tutor, he gave warning to the 
helmsman and started the motor slowly. 

As at the first attempt, it was several 
seconds before Captain Ezra’s craft gathered 
headway, and then Mr. Barclay sent her ahead 
at the best possible pace, warning Doris to 
have a care for herself when the Princess ” 
brought up against the sand. 

The officers of the wrecking company 
hardly breathed as the motor boat crept nearer 
and nearer the shore, until it seemed certain 
she would run hard and fast aground before 
the yacht was brought into shoal water, and 
then a check was put upon the headway 
so suddenly that Sam, who had bent forward 


i86 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


at the instant, was thrown headlong from the 
stern-sheets, coming within a hair’s breadth 
of striking the motor with his nose. 

She has grounded in good shape,” Mr. 
Barclay said in a tone of satisfaction, as he 
shut off the power. We have brought the 
* Princess ’ on the beach at the proper angle, 
and now we’ll spend our spare time making 
ready to shore her up.” 

“What do you mean by that?” Doris 
asked in perplexity. 

“ When the tide goes down I am allowing 
that a full half of the hull will be exposed to 
view, and unless we put props under the rail 
on either side, she’ll roll over. It is our work 
to prevent any such trouble as that.” 

While speaking he had cast off the hawsers, 
and now directed Doris to steer Captain Ezra’s 
boat along the shore until arriving opposite 
where a pile of stout timbers were, which had 
been brought in the freighting schooner with 
the empty casks. 

The officers of the wrecking company 
had believed that when the “ Princess ” was 
brought in so near the shore they would have 
nothing to do but wait while the tide ebbed, 


ship Carpenters 187 

until it could be seen what damage had been 
done the hull ; but all soon understood that 
such was not the case. 

A full half hour was spent dragging the 
heavy timbers along the beach to a point oppo- 
site where the Princess'^ lay, and then came 
the task of casting off the oil casks, towing 
them ashore, and stacking the whole up at 
some place where the freighting schooner 
could come at them handily when the time 
arrived to send back the leased material. 

Every one worked to the best of his or her 
ability, and the preliminary work was no 
more than performed when the bow of the 
yacht appeared above the surface. 

Then it was that Mr. Barclay put on his 
bathing suit once more, and, going overboard, 
set the timbers under the rail on either side 
in such manner that the hull of the “ Prin- 
cess must perforce remain upright when 
the tide was at its lowest ebb. In this he was 
aided by Sam and Doris in the tender, and 
Phil on the forward deck of the yacht, and 
when the task had been performed to his 
satisfaction it was possible for the wreckers to 
have a good view of the damage done the hull. 


i88 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


No less than five timbers on the port bow 
had been crushed in, leaving an aperture 
through which Phil might have crawled but 
for the jagged ends of the planks, and the 
wonder of it was that she had not sunk within 
a very few seconds after the accident occurred. 

“ We never can repair that,^^ Sam said in 
his aged-uncle tone as he gazed at the wound 
in dismay. I^m not so certain that regular 
ship carpenters could do anything toward 
making her seaworthy.’^ 

If you have quite decided that it can^t be 
done, then it only remains for us to go after 
our dinner, for it is now nearly time,’' Mr. 
Barclay said, as if it was of no interest to him 
whether the wreckers continued their work, 
or abandoned it at the very moment when the 
most serious portion had been performed suc- 
cessfully. I had entirely forgotten that 
we promised to go to Mr. Bragg’s this noon.” 

But surely you don’t intend to stop now 
and leave the poor little ^ Princess ’ where 
she is, after we have brought her up from the 
bottom of the sea ! ” Doris cried in a tone 
that told how near to her eyelids were the 
tears of disappointment. 


ship Carpenters 189 

But Sam says positively that she can^t be 
repaired 

Sam don’t know what he’s talking about 1 ” 
Phil cried sharply. “ I don’t claim to be very 
much of a carpenter, but I can manage to put 
new planks in the hull, if I have time enough.” 

“ I should be ashamed to say that I couldn’t 
do it,” the tutor added as he looked at Sam ; 

but if one member of the company ” 

Phil and I will do it I ” Doris inter- 
rupted. Sam needn’t have any part in the 
work.” 

“ I own as much of the ‘ Princess ’ as either 
of you, and count on getting my full share,” 
Sam said sulkily ; but it does seem to me 
that we’d have a mighty big job in trying to 
patch up the hull.” 

“ Hello I The Newcome Wrecking Com- 
pany, Limited, are getting well along with its 
work,” a cheery voice cried from the thicket 
of palmetto palms, and Mr. Bragg, accom- 
panied by Mr. Newcome and Mr. Norris, came 
into view. You young people have done well, 
though I’m thinking the professor comes in for 
a good share of the credit. Within another 
week the ^ Princess ’ should be as good as new.” 


iQo The Wreck of the ^‘Princess” 

Have you seen the hole in her bow?'' 
Sam asked sharply. 

Not as yet ; but I fancy it is of consider- 
able size. Getting her ashore was the biggest 
part of your task, and since that has been 
done so successfully, putting in new planking 
shouldn’t amount to very much.” 

By this time the gentlemen were where 
they could see plainly the injury done the 
hull, and to Sam’s surprise neither of them 
appeared to think the matter very serious. 

It should be possible for the new owners 
of the * Princess ’ to take us out for a cruise 
before another week comes to an end,” Mr. 
Norris said confidently, and Sam began to 
wish he had not professed to know so much 
about their ability to do the work. 

What do you propose to do next, pro- 
fessor? ” Mr. Newcome asked of the tutor. 

** We’ll patch that hole to-night, if it is 
possible to get sail-cloth and tar,” the tutor re- 
plied. Then, with our pumps, the task of 
freeing the hull from water won’t be difficult. 
Before sleeping to-night we’ll have the ‘ Prin- 
cess ’ riding at her own anchors.” 


CHAPTER XVI 


EIDING AT ANCHOR 

It must have been that Mr. Bragg was quite 
as eager as the young people to see the Prin- 
cess ” riding at anchor, for no sooner had the 
boys and Doris disappeared in search of the 
materials needed by the professor than he 
hurried away in order, as he explained to his 
guests, that food might be sent to the tent. 

‘‘ They havenT had any luncheon, and are 
likely to forget the dinner-hour in their desire 
to float the yacht. We canT let them starve, 
you know,” he said, half apologetically, and 
Mr. Norris replied quickly : 

There is no good reason why they 
shouldnT wait until Monday, before trying to 
free her from water.” 

But they have set their minds on seeing 
her afloat to-night,” Mr. Bragg said, and Mr. 
Newcome added with a laugh : 

I believe you are as eager as they to see 
an end of the wrecking.” 

191 


192 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Perhaps I am, perhaps I am,^’ and Mr. 
Bragg walked swiftly toward his home, fol- 
lowed by the two gentlemen. 

Within half an hour after the 3mung people 
came back laden with sail-cloth and copper 
paint, the servants from Mr. Bragg’s house 
brought such a plentiful supply of provisions 
that there would have been no danger the 
wreckers would starve, even though they did 
not leave the scene of operations during the 
next two days. 

Mr. Barclay did not spend many minutes 
making ready to close the wound in the bow 
of the Princess.” Having found among the 
many pieces of sail-cloth which had been 
brought from Mr. Bragg’s stable one of suffi- 
cient size to completely cover the hole, he 
smeared the splintered planks plentifully with 
paint, and then nailed the canvas patch care- 
fully over them, taking good care to use so 
many nails that there could be no danger the 
pressure from without, after the water had 
been pumped from the hull, would force it off. 

This done, he put on a thick coating of 
paint around the edges of the sail-cloth, as 
well as entirely over the surface, coming to an 


Riding at Anchor 193 

end of the work a good two hours before sun- 
set. 

Now it is only a question of handling the 
small pumps we used for emptying the casks, 
until we can get those belonging to the yacht 
in working order, he cried, suiting the action 
to the words, and within a very few minutes 
three pumps were throwing the water out- 
board, thanks to the exertions of Professor 
Andy, Phil and Doris. 

Sam made a feeble effort to show that he 
was willing to perform his share of the work, 
after learning that there were but three pumps 
which could be used, and then he seated him- 
self comfortably in the stern-sheets of Captain 
Ezra’s boat where he might keep his compan- 
ions in view. 

It was a good deal like hard work ; but the 
knowledge that by continuing it the “ Prin- 
cess ” would in time be afloat lent strength to 
their arms, and during a full hour the three 
worked to the best of their ability, with the 
result that the after part of the wreck stood 
so high above the surface that the entire deck 
was exposed. 

It had not been possible to close the cabin 


194 The Wreck of the Princess” 

doors so tightly but that some water would 
creep through the crevices ; yet by laboring 
industriously, giving themselves no time for 
rest, the wreckers had thus nearly succeeded 
in their efforts. 

She^ll be afloat in an hour more,’’ Sam 
said complacently. If you don’t get tired 
too soon, we can tow her out to anchorage 
before dark. I’d better make this boat fast 
astern, so’s to be ready to pull her off.” 

It will be more to the purpose if you take 
Miss Doris’ place at the pump,” Mr. Barclay 
said, speaking so sharply that his companions 
looked up in surprise. A boy of your age 
and size should be ashamed to remain idle 
when a girl is doing the work of a man.” 

For a moment it seemed as if Sam would 
give way to anger because of having been ad- 
dressed so sternly ; but he evidently thought 
better of it, for after a brief hesitation he 
went on board the Princess,” pushing Doris 
aside almost roughly, as he said : 

I was ready to take your place when you 
got tired ; but it looked as if you wanted to 
do all the work.” 

‘‘ I’m perfectly willing you should give me 


195 


Riding at Anchor 

a chance to rest ; but we must keep the 
pumps going every moment, or the work 
won’t be done before the tide rises again.” 

I don’t need to be told that,” Sam replied 
loftily as he began work, but it was plain to be 
seen that he did not accomplish as much as 
had Doris. 

It was not possible for the professor and 
Phil to continue the exhausting labor without 
stopping now and then to rest; but despite 
these interruptions and Sam’s listless efforts, 
night had not yet come when the deck of the 

Princess ” was a full inch above the water, 
and the tutor said in a tone of command : 

“ We will pull her off into deep water now, 
and anchor, for it is quite time we brought 
our work to an end for the day. Unless we 
can get her own pumps to work, it will take 
at least twelve hours to free her from water.” 

Will it be safe now to leave her at 
anchor ? ” Doris asked anxiously. 

Perfectly. She can come to no harm, and 
I’ll guarantee that she will not take in many 
gallons of water through the bow between 
now and Monday morning.” 

Because she’s a wreck that is to be pre- 


196 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


vented from sinking, I don^t understand why 
we couldn't work on her a few hours to-mor- 
row. It would be what you might call neces- 
sary labor." 

“ Philip Newcome ! You know it wouldn't 
be anything of the kind I " Doris cried 
sharply. It wasn't absolutely necessary in 
the first place that we raise the ^ Princess,' and 
it is almost wicked to invent such an excuse 
for working on Sunday." 

Sam would have been quite willing the 
others should have pumped during the Sab- 
bath ; but since he would be forced to do 
some portion of his share in such a case, he 
was ready to take sides with Doris. 

Mr. Barclay put an end to a possible discus- 
sion by saying decidedly : 

The ^ Princess ' will remain safely at an- 
chor until Monday morning, and then, but 
not before, we will finish this portion of the 
work. Now then, make ready the hawsers, 
and we'll pull her nose off the sand. The 
tide has flowed so much that she isn't held 
here very firmly." 

Doris was nearly breathless with excitement 
when, in obedience to the tutor's command, 


>97 


Riding at Anchor 

she took the helm after the hawsers had been 
made fast to the stern of the yacht, and the 
motor was started, slowly at first, and then at 
fall speed when the Princess began to slide 
off the beach. 

“ Hurrah ! She’s afloat at last, and I wonder 
what Captain Ezra would say if he could see 
her now ? ” Phil shouted triumphantly as the 
yacht came away from the sand, rolling slug- 
gishly because of the cargo of water, but with 
her deck a full two inches above the surface, 
and the sail-cloth bandage well in view. 

Where are you going ? ” asked Doris of the 
tutor, and he directed her to steer straight 
ahead ; but when they were less than twenty 
yards from the shore he stopped the motor. 

Here’s where we’ll anchor. I’ll back the 
boat down so that you can get on board, Philip, 
and you are to see if it is possible to fish out 
the anchor cable from the fore-peak.” 

Phil did as he was commanded ; but try as 
he might it was impossible to raise the fore- 
peak hatch because of its being swollen after re- 
maining so long beneath the surface, and it was 
necessary for the tutor to go to his assistance. 

Night had fully come before the Princess 


198 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


was securely moored, and even then she had 
out only one small anchor, it being impossible 
to reach the other because of the depth of 
water in her hull. 

That there might be no question of her go- 
ing adrift. Captain Ezra's boat was made fast 
alongside, and anchored, after which the weary 
wreckers went ashore in the tender. 

It was only reasonable that the wreckers 
should be congratulated heartily on the result 
of their labors when they arrived at Mr. Bragg's 
home, and both Mr. Newcome and Mr. Norris 
joined in the discussion as to how the yacht's 
bow could best be repaired, which arose at the 
dinner table. 

We are counting on having an invitation 
to go on a cruise with you before another week 
has gone by," Mr. Bragg said seriously. Of 
course the furnishings of the ‘ Princess ' have 
been ruined by remaining under water so long ; 
but it should be possible to put her into such 
shape that she will provide us with comfortable 
quarters." 

If we didn't have to idle away to-morrow," 
Phil began, and stopped suddenly as Doris 
looked meaningly at him. 


199 


Riding at Anchor 

** It is fortunate that to-morrow is Sunday/’ 
Mr. Bragg said emphatically. '‘You are all 
needing a long time of rest, otherwise there’d 
be a breakdown for somebody before the 
‘ Princess ’ was in sailing trim.” 

Phil said no more about continuing the 
work of wrecking, counting it as necessary 
labor ; but when morning came he found it 
very hard to prevent his thoughts from stray- 
ing to the yacht, of which he owned one-third. 
Perhaps the other members of the company 
had the same difficulty ; but nothing more was 
said regarding the work to be done and on 
Monday morning, Phil and Doris were astir a 
good hour before the sun gave any indication 
of rising. 

Sam was still in bed when these two went 
swiftly to the shore to satisfy themselves that 
the “ Princess ” had come to no harm since they 
last saw her, and they worked the pumps 
vigorously until Mr. Barclay came to warn 
them that it was time for breakfast. 

Perhaps Sam believed it would increase his 
chances of being made captain of the yacht, if 
he worked to the best of his ability during 
this day, for certain it is he did so, and when 


200 


The Wreck of the Princess” 


on Monday night the Newcome Wrecking 
Company, Limited, were summoned to dinner, 
it really seemed as if the greater portion of 
their task had been performed. 

The Princess was pumped dry, and from 
her cabin had been taken all the bedding, rugs 
and other furnishings which had been soaked 
with water. Captain Ezra’s boat, under com- 
mand of Doris, with Phil at the motor, had 
made many trips from the yacht to the shore 
carrying such things as were to be spread on 
the sand to dry, while Professor Andy worked 
in the engine room putting things to rights 
there so far as possible. 

The little craft was indeed a beauty, even 
though her fittings were tarnished and her 
decks covered with mud and grime. It did 
not need any great exercise of the imagination 
to realize how trim and jaunty she would ap- 
pear when put into good condition. 

Now the load of water had been removed, 
she stood so high that the hole in the bow was 
very nearly above the surface, and Mr. Barclay 
assured Doris that the repairs could readily be 
made by running the Princess’ ” nose up on 
the sand when the tide was at half-ebb. 


201 


Riding at Anchor 

Where will you get the planks that are 
needed ? ” Doris asked when the tutor had 
said he hoped they would begin the work of 
ship carpenters on the following day. 

That is exactly what has been in my mind 
the past hour, Miss Doris, ’’ Mr. Barclay replied, 
with a smile. I believe we can do no better 
than to go up to Captain Curtis’ boat-house. 
He must have such lumber there as we need ; 
but in case he hasn’t, we shall have wasted a 
half day and be forced to go elsewhere.” 

** Could we go this evening ? ” 

I question whether your mother would 
agree to anything of the kind ; but if you are 
minded to get up an hour or two before day- 
light in the morning, we may be back in time 
for breakfast, in which case we wouldn’t have 
lost very many hours.” 

I can get up whenever you want to start, 
and so can Phil ; but I’m not certain Sam 
would be willing to exert himself so severely.” 

** Then we’ll go without him. You can say 
that we intend to leave here not later than 
three o’clock, and if he chooses to remain in 
bed, no one will try to prevent it. It must be 
your duty, though, to get for us something in 


202 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


the way of a luncheon. I’ll give the motor 
boat an overhauling this evening, and Phil 
shall put on board fresh water and gasoline/’ 

As Doris had suspected, Sam was not willing 
to get out of bed so early in the morning, but 
much to her surprise, he appeared deeply ag- 
grieved because the professor would not post- 
pone the journey until what would be, to him, 
a more seasonable hour. 

“ It begins to look as if the rest of you 
counted on running over me rough-shod,” he 
said, sulkily. ** If we must go off hunting for 
planks — and I reckon that part of it is straight 
enough — why can’t it be done at a time when 
I can go with you ? ” 

You can go with us in the morning if you 
are willing to get up early enough,” Doris said 
soothingly, and Sam gave evidence that he was 
losing his temper when he said threateningly : 

You fellows mustn’t think that you can 
push me aside, for I won’t have it. If I were 
the captain of the ^ Princess,’ I’d be willing for 
you to go off this way ; but since I’m not 
counted in at all, there’s nothing left for me to 
do but tell Mr. Bragg just how you are treat- 
ing me.” 


CHAPTER XVII 


CAPTAIN EZRA^S ADVICE 

To say that Doris was surprised when Sam 
threatened to complain to Mr. Bragg, claim- 
ing that he was ill-treated, would be stating it 
all too mildly. Until this outburst, she had 
no idea he fancied any wrong was being done 
him, save when called upon to do his full 
share of the work, and his being thus deeply 
aggrieved when it had been decided, in order 
to economize time, to set off for Captain 
Ezra's boat-house before daylight, not only 
puzzled, but bewildered her. 

Are you going to complain to Mr. Bragg be- 
cause of not wanting to get up as early as three 
o’clock in the morning ? ” Phil asked sharply. 

“ That’s only a part of it,” Sam replied 
sulkily. ** You’ve made up your minds that 
I shan’t be captain of the ^ Princess,’ simply 
because I put Captain Ezra’s imitation boat 
ashore on the bar, and are doing all you can 
to keep me out of the most important work.” 

203 


204 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 

'' We are doing nothing of the kind/' and 
now Phil spoke in a tone of anger. There 
is no reason why you shouldn’t go after the 
lumber with us, except that you’re not will- 
ing to get up so early in the morning. You 
are the same as claiming that it is more im- 
portant you remain in bed an hour or two 
longer than to get the * Princess ’ in sailing 
trim.” 

‘‘ Who is to be captain of her when she has 
been put in shape again ? ” Sam demanded, 
and his persistency in returning to this mat- 
ter gave Phil a clew to the situation. 

“ So that’s what’s troubling you, is it? ” he 
cried in no friendly tone. You’ve decided 
that you must be captain and make a kick 
against our starting early for the planks, be- 
lieving we’ll give in to you rather than have 
a row when time is so precious. I don’t 
know who ought to be in command when the 
‘ Princess ’ is ready for sea, and I don’t care 
very much, so that we succeed in earning her 
fairly.” 

Until this moment Mr. Barclay had taken 
no part in the conversation ; but now, when 
Sam was evidently on the point of making an 


Captain Ezra’s Advice 205 

angry reply, he said with his stifFest school- 
master manner : 

“ This is not the time when you should de- 
cide as to who may be the officers of the 
‘ Princess/ Wait until you have earned her 
fairly, as Philip says, and then it shall be for 
Mr. Bragg to name them.^^ 

Sam appeared decidedly disturbed in mind 
because of the tutor’s announcement that he 
intended to call upon the former owner of the 
Princess ” to settle any disputes. This was 
exactly what he did not desire should be done, 
believing there was little doubt but Mr. Bragg 
would claim Doris had shown herself capable 
of taking command, and he also knew that 
such an arrangement would be only fair, 
since it was not right she should be forced to 
do such work as would naturally fall to the 
lot of that member of the company who was 
neither at the motor nor at the wheel. 

“ It looks as if every one of you ached to be 
captain, and the best thing for me to do is to 
let you run the whole thing. I’ll pull out of 
the concern this very minute, and you needn’t 
expect me to do any more work.” 

Even while speaking Sam had set off in the 


2o 6 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


direction of Mr. Bragg’s house, and Phil, who 
was thoroughly provoked because his cousin 
had charged the other members of the com- 
pany with acting unjustly toward him, cried 
angrily : 

Never mind what we may have expected, 
it is certain we haven’t had very much assist- 
ance from you when there was work to be 

done, and I’m thinking w’e shan’t miss ” 

Mr, Barclay interrupted the not over 
friendly remark by saying, as he laid his 
hand on Phil’s shoulder : 

Remember the words, * He who ruleth his 
spirit is better than him that taketh a city/ 
I will admit Sam is in the wrong to bring up 
the question of who shall command the ‘ Prin- 
cess ’ in such a manner ; but unless you 
young people can continue this work in a 
friendly fashion, it will be well to drop the 
business entirely, even though the job is 
nearly done.” 

I’m not afraid that he’ll leave the com- 
pany ; but it makes me angry to have him 
try to carry his point in such a bullying 
way,” Phil replied sharply, and Doris added, 
not unkindly : 


207 


Captain Ezra’s Advice 

** He will feel better after having a desper- 
ate fit of the sulks, such as is coming over 
him now, and by the time we get back from 
Captain Ezra’s you will see him here ready to 
help in whatever work may be needed, pro- 
vided he isn’t asked to do a full share.” 

You must remember, however,” and now 
Mr. Barclay spoke in his schoolmaster tone, 
that unless you three can get on in a 
friendly manner, I shall recommend to your 
parents that the ^ Princess ’ remain in Mr. 
Bragg’s possession.” 

It wouldn’t be right to punish us because 
Sam is subject to attacks of the sulks,” Doris 
said laughingly, and then led the way to Mr. 
Bragg’s home, where, after a short interview 
with the mistress of the house, she set about 
making ready a luncheon to be taken on the 
power boat next morning. 

Are you intending to go away with Philip 
and the professor before daylight?” Mrs. 
Newcome asked of Doris when the Bragg 
family and their guests were seated at table, 
and Sam, who still wore a frown as token of 
ill-temper, interrupted before the girl could 
make reply ; 


2 o 8 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


They are going to leave here at three 
o’clock, so that I shan’t be able to go with 
them.” 

And why can’t you go ? ” his father 
asked. 

Because I don’t want to get up so early,” 
Master Sam replied angrily, and his mother, 
who could read the signs of the sulks, said as 
if it was a matter of little consequence : 

If you prefer to remain in bed, they 
are quite right to go without you, in case 
it is necessary to set off at such an early 
hour.” 

We are going at that time in order to have 
the planks here when the day’s work should 
begin,” Philip explained, and Mrs. Newcome, 
who, perhaps, had been intending to say that 
Doris must not go away before daylight, evi- 
dently forgot that she had any protest to 
make, much to the relief of both her chil- 
dren. 

No one gave further heed to Sam during 
the remainder of the evening, and it is to be 
supposed he was enjoying himself in bed when, 
at exactly three o’clock next morning, Phil 
knocked on the door of Doris’ chamber to an- 


Captain Ezra’s Advice 209 

nounce that the time set for the lumber-seek- 
ing voyage had arrived. 

I have been dressed ten minutes or more,” 
Doris said cheerily as she came into the hall- 
way with the basket in which was the lunch- 
eon she had made ready the evening previous, 
and within half an hour the Newcome Wreck- 
ing Company, Limited, with the exception of 
one of its officers, was sailing out of the Inlet. 

Doris stood at the wheel, although she 
would have preferred that Phil act the part of 
pilot while it was yet dark ; but Mr. Barclay 
had said she was to serve as captain, and it 
did not seem to her just fair to refuse simply 
because the task was more difficult than when 
the sun shone. 

The motor boat seemed to have an attack of 
the same trouble which had come upon Sam 
the evening previous, for instead of running 
steadily as it had been doing during the 
wrecking operations, it coughed and wheezed, 
now entirely refusing to work, and again go- 
ing ahead in a limping manner well calcu- 
lated to try the patience of the crew. 

Mr. Barclay worked over the machinery 
until he was red in the face, and more than 


210 The Wreck of the “Princess” 

once did Doris believe it would have given 
him great relief of mind if he could have 
scolded outright ; but he held his temper in 
check, and succeeded, after two hours of se- 
vere labor, in bringing the apparently crip- 
pled boat alongside the float in front of Cap- 
tain Ezra’s place of business. 

The proprietor of the boat-house was stand- 
ing in the doorway when they finally made 
fast to the float, and he cried, as if believing 
himself exceedingly witty : 

‘‘She don’t seem to be runnin’ very smooth 
this mornin’, eh? It does beat all what no- 
tions them kind of boats take. More’n once 
I’ve threatened to doctor that motor with an 
axe.” 

“ I am tempted to believe that even to des- 
troy it entirely would be an improvement,” 
Mr. Barclay said gravely, as he helped Doris 
to the float, and Captain Ezra laughed heart- 
ily, as well he might, for he intended to 
charge as much for the use of the boat as if 
she had been in first-class condition. 

“ I’m allowin’ you’ve found out by this 
time that raisin’ a sunken yacht ain’t the kind 
of child’s play you took it to be, eh ? By lis- 


Captain Ezra’s Advice 211 

tenin’ to me you might have saved yourselves 
a whole lot of work and expense, ^cause a job 
like that 

The ' Princess * is afloat, and free from 
water,” Doris interrupted, whereupon Captain 
Ezra stared at her as if believing she had 
taken leave of her senses. 

What’s that ? ” he cried. If she’s afloat 
you hired somebody to do the work I ” 

“ We did it all ourselves — that is, Professor 
Andy did it, and we helped him,” Doris re- 
plied with a laugh. Now, we’ve come for 
some planks with which to mend the hole in 
her bow.” 

Captain Ezra could not credit the statement 
until it had been verifled by each in turn, and 
then he exclaimed in a tone of mingled in- 
credulity and surprise : 

Wa’al, now, that’s what I call the sheerest 
kind of luck ! It must have been that she 
wasn’t hurt very bad, else you’d never done it 
— never in this world I ” 

“ There’s a hole in the bow large enough 
for me to crawl through, and it was hard 
work, rather than luck, that did the trick,” 
Phil cried sharply, and because Mr. Barclay 


212 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


had said nothing regarding the purpose of 
their coming, he added, We want some 
planks with which to mend the hull. Have 
you any ? 

An' now you're countin' on turnin' ship 
carpenters, eh ? You, who don't know any- 
thing more'n can be got from books, reckon 
it'll be possible to do what grown men ain't so 
eager to tackle. Take my advice, lad, an' 
leave sich jobs for them as know how. 
Because you've had the biggest kind of good 
luck in raisin' the yacht, don't think you 
know it all, else you're like to get a hard 
jolt." 

Have you any inch-and-a-quarter stuff 
that will do for the hull. Captain Curtis?" 
Mr. Barclay asked with a most dignified man- 
ner, as if he no longer cared to listen to the 
old man's advice. 

Yes, I reckon I have, but you sure ain't 
countin' on tryin' to patch up what's most 
likely been put together by the best yacht- 
builders in New York ? See here, I'm a 
handy man with tools, an' have got every- 
thing for sich jobs. If you're minded to tow 
the * Princess ' up to the float, an' will pay a 













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213 


Captain Ezra’s Advice 

fair price for my time, it ain’t no ways cer- 
tain I wouldn’t help you out, ’cause it’s a pity 
to see young folks bungle what’s been well 
started, though I’d never believed you could 
have floated that ’ere craft.” 

‘‘ We must do all the work ourselves, or 
else she won’t be ours,” Doris cried. 

Don’t I tell you it can’t be done by chil- 
dren, an’ especially them as don’t know a 
marlinespike from a hole in the ground ? ” 
Captain Ezra cried angrily. Here am I 
ready to lend a hand, if so be I’m paid for my 
time, an’ the work will be done shipshape, 
whereas, if you go to foolin’ ’round with her 
now, you’ll spoil all the luck you’ve had.” 

Will you show us the lumber ? ” the tutor 
asked quietly. 

Of course I will, an’ I’m allowin’ it won’t 
take long for you to see it can’t be worked ex- 
cept by them as know how. You can tow 
the yacht up here in less’n half a day, an’ I’ll 
get right at the job.” 

The owner of the boat-house led the party 
to what he called his repair shop,” pointing 
out a pile of lumber of various kinds. 

Ten minutes later, with the lumber on 


214 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


board, the tutor set himself the task of start- 
ing the motor boat, while the owner of the 
establishment stood on the float giving yet 
more advice : 

I ain't sayin' as I'll tackle the job after 
you've fooled 'round with the hull till you 
come mighty nigh ruinin' it ; but when you 
strike a snag, as you will, else my name ain't 
Ezra Curtis, give me a call, an' we'll see what 
can be done. Ship carpenterin’ don't go by 
luck, same's you had in floatin' the yacht, an' 
if them planks ain't put in 'cordin' to Hoyle, 
you're likely to founder on the first cruise." 

At this point Mr. Barclay succeeded in 
starting the motor, and as the little boat 
moved swiftly away from the float as if bent 
on making amends for having been so dis- 
agreeable during the journey from the Inlet, 
Captain Ezra alternately screamed predictions 
that the work would be muddled " beyond 
repair, and advised that the “ Princess " be 
given over to his care before it was too late. 

** We can have breakfast now if Phil will 
set the table," Doris cried merrily when they 
were beyond sound of the captain's voice. 

If this man is so skilful in mending boats, 


215 


Captain Ezra’s Advice 

he had better turn his attention to this one, 
and then perhaps it would be possible to run 
faster than a mile an hour/^ 

This remark seemed to soothe the irritation 
which had been caused by Captain Ezra’s ad- 
vice, and as soon as Phil could unpack the 
basket all three were eating heartily, while 
they discussed the methods of setting about 
the important work of repairing the hull of 
the ‘‘ Princess.” 


CHAPTER XVIII 


THE CAPTAIN 

When, after surprising her crew by run- 
ning at a good rate of speed from the boat- 
house, Captain Ezra’s craft arrived at the 
Inlet with the lumber and tools, Doris’ pre- 
diction as to Sam was proved correct, for that 
young gentleman stood on the shore opposite 
where the Princess ” lay at anchor, awaiting 
their coming, with never a trace of the sulks 
on his face. 

“He’d be just as nice a boy as ever lived if 
only he wouldn’t have disagreeable fits,” Doris 
said in a low tone as the motor boat rounded 
the sand-bar, bringing Sam into full view. 
“ He doesn’t really mean anything by flying 
ofl* in such a sulky passion, and I can’t 
believe he realizes that he makes a spectacle 
of himself.” 

“ He wouldn’t have had an attack yesterday, 
but for the desire to be captain of the ^ Prin- 
cess,’ ” Phil replied grimly. “ I really believe 
216 


The Captain 217 

he counted on bullying us into agreeing that 
he should have command/^ 

“ I intend that Mr. Bragg shall name the 
officers/^ Mr. Barclay interrupted. “ It is his 
right, after making you young people such a 
magnificent present, to have the deciding 
voice in the matter, and I will speak to him 
this morning.’^ 

But if he should say I ought to be cap- 
tain, because I can’t well tumble around mak- 
ing the yacht fast, letting go the anchor, and 
work like that, Sam would make fuss enough 
to spoil our pleasure,” Doris said thoughtfully. 
** 1 had rather he took command than have 
his face wrinkled with the sulks all the time.” 

You’ll find that Mr. Bragg will say you 
must be at the helm, for it isn’t really safe, 
after what he did with the motor boat and the 
tender, to let Sam have full swing,” Phil 
added, understanding that since he had volun- 
tarily taken upon himself the task of learning 
how to look after the machinery he would be 
given the position of engineer. 

There was no further opportunity to dis- 
cuss the matter, even if it had seemed neces- 
sary so to do, for at this moment Sam hailed. 


2i 8 The Wreck of the Princess” 


Did you get the lumber ? 

Yes, and such tools as will be needed,” 
Doris replied cheerily. 

“Mr. Bragg says you are to come directly 
up to breakfast. He wants all hands at table, 
because he’s got something particular to say 
to the Newcome Wrecking Company, Lim- 
ited.” 

“What is it all about?” Phil asked anx- 
iously, fearing the gentleman might be regret- 
ting that he had given away the “ Princess,” 
now she had been raised with comparatively 
little trouble. 

“ I don’t know. He simply told me to say 
that he wanted the wrecking company to 
meet him at the breakfast table.” 

“ After the many sandwiches we ate while 
coming down I did think we might get right 
to work, without stopping for a regular meal,” 
Doris said with a sigh ; “ but I suppose we 
must obey orders.” 

“ Indeed we must, and the sooner the better, 
for I want to know what he has on his mind,” 
Phil added, still fearing lest something was 
about to happen which would deprive them 
of the yacht. 


219 


The Captain 

Half an hour later every member of the 
Newcome Wrecking Company, Limited, was 
at the table, waiting impatiently for Mr. 
Bragg to speak ; but he seemed in no haste to 
broach the subject. Not until he had finished 
a leisurely-eaten breakfast, and some time 
after the laborers were ready to begin the 
day’s work, did he speak of business matters. 

“ The ‘ Princess ’ is afloat,” he began, “ and 
even though the hull has not been repaired, I 
believe you have earned her fairly, therefore 
now has come the time when I should carry 
out my part of the contract by turning her over 
to you young people. Before doing so, how- 
ever, I want to make terms which will be as 
much to your advantage as mine. Perhaps I 
have no legal right, in view of the agreement 
I have already signed, to insist on assigning 
you to duty on board the yacht ; but yet I 
shall claim such right, and if one or all of 
you deny it, we will argue the matter here 
and now.” 

Of course you should be allowed to do 
so,” Phil replied promptly, and Doris agreed 
with him at once, but Sam remained silent. 

Apparently Mr. Bragg believed all the 


220 


The Wreck of the Princess” 


members of the company had shown a willing- 
ness to have him settle the matter, for he con- 
tinued : 

“ Because Miss Doris has already shown 
herself an able hand at the wheel, and because 
she cannot be expected to perform the rough 
work which must be done, she shall act as 
pilot, save at such times as it may be neces- 
sary to hire an experienced sailor. Philip is 
to be the engineer ; Sam will stand ready to 
do whatever comes to his hand, and Professor 
Andy Barclay is hereby commissioned as 
captain during such time as the ‘ Princess ’ re- 
mains in Southern waters. When this winter 
has come to an end, and you young people 
have returned home, a new set of officers may 
be chosen, if it so please you.^^ 

Mr. Bragg arose from the table as if consid- 
ering the matter settled finally, and the 
officers of the wrecking company looked at 
each other in surprise. Two of them were 
well pleased that Mr. Barclay should be cap- 
tain of the Princess,’^ and the third, re- 
membering that he had shown himself exceed- 
ingly disagreeable the evening previous, did 
not deem it advisable to make any protest. 


221 


The Captain 

Now we can get to work 1 Doris cried 
in a tone of relief. I am eager to have at 
least one cruise in the ^ Princess ^ before our 
vacation comes to an end.^' 

There should be no question as to such a 
possibility,” Mr. Bragg said, cheerily. If 
you canT make repairs in less than two days 
I shall lose the good opinion already formed 
as to your ability.” 

Much to the surprise of his comrades Sam 
gave no sign of being displeased because he 
had not been given command of the yacht, 
but worked during this day more industri- 
ously than he ever had before. 

As a matter of course, Mr. Barclay directed 
the repairs to the hull and engine and before 
he had well begun the task all the gentlemen 
were on the shore ready to assist him in any 
way possible. 

It was not a case of too many cooks spoil- 
ing the broth in this instance. With the 
tutor to direct the workmen each performed a 
portion of the labor, and before night came 
the shattered planks had been taken out and 
replaced by new ones. The seams were yet to 
be caulked and the wood painted, but, as the 


222 The Wreck of the ‘.‘Princess” 


professor explained, that should be a simple 
task, and it was not necessary for the paint to 
be thoroughly dried before the little craft was 
gotten under way. 

We can't put the cabin to rights until the 
furniture and other fittings have been well 
dried out," Mr. Barclay said to his crew that 
afternoon ; “ but it may be done later, and, if 
you agree, I propose that we set off on the 
first cruise to-morrow." 

Where are we to go ? " Doris asked in 
delight. 

The material that has been hired must be 
taken back to the owners, and I see no reason 
why we shouldn't do the work." 

We never can put all those casks on 
board," Phil cried in dismay, and the tutor 
replied with a smile : 

I was counting on making the greater 
portion of the materials into a raft, and letting 
the ^ Princess ' play the part of tugboat." 

But if we wait to do all that work, it won't 
be possible to start before noon at the earliest, 
and we couldn't get back until late in the 
night," Doris cried. 

You will find that the ^ Princess ' is a dif- 


223 


The Captain 

ferent boat from the one we have hired of 
Captain Curtis. She will make the voyage in 
good time, even though the tow is a heavy 
one, and, unless I am greatly mistaken, your 
parents will accept an invitation to accompany 
us, if it be given. 

Even Sam appeared pleased with such a 
suggestion, and Doris was so eager to know 
what her mother might think of the proposed 
excursion that she hurried away to the house, 
leaving her brother officers surveying the col- 
lection of timbers and casks, to get some idea 
as to how it could best be made into a raft. 

It seemed to the boys as if she had no more 
than set off before she returned, crying glee- 
fully while yet a long distance away : 

It is all agreed upon ! The entire com- 
pany will go, and if we doiiT get the raft 
there until late in the afternoon, we are to 
spend the night at the hotel ! ” 

Sam had evidently forgotten his disappoint- 
ment at not being given command of the 
yacht, and he and Phil insisted on being 
allowed to work until it was no longer light 
enough to see what they were doing. Much 
to the surprise of all, Mr. Barclay fully agreed 


224 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


with this, and again Doris went to Mr. 
Bragg's home, this time to announce that 
they would not present themselves for dinner 
until night had fully come. 

When they did cease work for the day, 
matters were so far advanced that there 
seemed little doubt but that the “ Princess ” 
could be got under way by the next noon, and 
it was agreed, with not even a shadow of a 
protest from Sam, that the wrecking company 
should be at work as soon as another day had 
dawned. 

I suppose Captain Ezra is waiting for us 
to tow the * Princess ' up to his boat-house, so 
that he can put in the new timbers," Doris 
said gleefully as they made their way in the 
darkness through the thicket of palmetto 
palms. I wish he could see her now." 

He won't be kept waiting a great while," 
Sam added. ** Of course, we will take his 
crippled motor boat back as soon as possible, 
and she must be towed by the * Princess.' I 
suppose we'll be forced to keep his tender 
until we can buy one." 

“ There must have been a tender for the 
‘ Princess ' when she was wrecked," Phil ex- 


The Captain 225 

claimed suddenly. I wonder what became 
of her ? 

No one could answer this question, and no 
member of the company cared to make in- 
quiry of Mr. Bragg lest he should come to 
fancy they believed he ought to fully equip 
the yacht he had so generously given them. 

The members of the Newcome Wrecking 
Company, Limited, did not loiter after dinner 
had been eaten that night. Every one, even 
including Mr. Barclay, was thoroughly tired, 
and with the knowledge that as soon as day 
dawned the work must be resumed, all were 
eager to go to bed. 

It was Doris who aroused her brother of- 
ficers next morning, and she also it was who 
made arrangements with the servants for a 
pot of hot coffee to be brought to the shore as 
soon as it could be prepared. 

As on the day previous, Sam was a willing 
worker, and never for a moment did he shirk 
whatever was appointed for him to do, al- 
though the labor was heavy and exceedingly 
wearisome. Making the timbers and casks 
into a raft necessitated working waist-deep in 
the water, and while this was being done 


226 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Doris busied herself with the cabin fixtures, 
which had been spread out on the shore to 
dry. 

Instead of spending the time to go to the 
house for breakfast, that meal was served in 
the tent, and the forenoon was no more than 
half spent when the task of making up the 
raft had come to an end. 

It looked, as it lay at anchor in deep water, 
like an exceedingly heavy and unwieldy drag 
for the Princess,^^ but Mr. Barclay announced 
that, unless the wind sprang up, it would not 
be a long nor difficult task for the yacht. 

The casks are buoyant, and the timbers 
and other materials of no more weight than is 
needed to hold them steady,^’ the tutor said 
to the boys while they were changing their 
bathing suits for dry clothing, using the tent 
as a dressing-room. The ‘ Princess ^ is a fast 
boat, so I have been told, and can well under- 
stand from her build, and I am expecting she 
will tow that raft at a rate of five or six miles 
an hour.’^ 

There was no time to be spent in discussing 
matters, if they would get the Princess 
under way at the hour agreed upon, and im- 


227 


The Captain 

mediately they had made a change of clothing, 
all were busily engaged with this task or that. 

Mr. Barclay took it upon himself to overhaul 
the motor until it was in good running order 
once more. Phil set about painting the new 
timbers in the hull and making ready such 
hawsers and other ropes as would be necessary 
during his first voyage, while Sam and Doris, 
using Captain Ezra^s crippled power boat for 
the last time, as they hoped, freighted from 
the shore to the yacht such cabin furnishings 
as were in condition to be used. 

Mr. Bragg gave evidence that he did not 
intend there should be any delay in the 
time of sailing, for he came to the shore very 
soon after breakfast and worked industriously 
at this task or that, calling upon one of his 
servants to assist until, so far as could be seen 
from the shore, everything was in readiness 
for the departure. 

“ There^s nothing to be done,” Phil said 
with a sigh of relief, as he threw himself upon 
the hot sand so tired that it would have seemed 
like the greatest favor could he have been 
permitted to spend the remainder of the day 
there. When Mr. Barclay comes ashore 


228 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


with the tender we^ll clean that up a bit so 
the ladies won't get their dresses soiled and 
to-morrow we’d best give the boat a coat of 
paint, for I suppose we’ll have to use her 
while we stay South.” 

We won’t make any plans just now as to 
repairing Captain Ezra’s boat,” Mr. Bragg said 
in an odd tone and, raising his voice, he 
shouted, “ Ahoy on the yacht ! ” 

Mr. Barclay immediately showed himself at 
the engine-room door as he replied to the hail, 
and that he had been working industriously 
could be told by the oil and grime upon his 
hands and face. 

“ Are you going to finish your portion of 
the work in schedule time ? ” Mr. Bragg 
cried. 

“ It is nearly done already. I have been 
cleaning the motor, for you can well under- 
stand that it hasn’t been improved by remain- 
ing under water so long.” 

Better come to the house for luncheon 
now, and do the fancy work after we get 
under way. I have said that we would leave 
here at half-past one, and I’m hoping there 
won’t be any delay.” 


229 


The Captain 

** So far as the motor is concerned, we can 
start this moment; but there is no good 
reason why I should spend time washing up 
in order to be at the luncheon table. Better 
leave me here, so that I can be on hand when 
the guests arrive.’^ 

It did not seem to Doris just fair to deprive 
Mr. Barclay of a noonday meal after he had 
been working so hard ; but Mr. Bragg appeared 
to think it the proper procedure, and all 
set off through the palrhetto palms as if in 
great haste, leaving the tutor to continue his 
labors. 

You have been very good to us, Mr. 
Bragg,” Doris said, as she walked demurely 
by the gentleman^s side, “ and I hope you 
won^t regret having given us that beautiful 
yacht.” 

I shan^t if you young people can run her 
in a friendly manner, without any disputing,” 
the gentleman said,; with a meaning glance 
to Sam. Of course, I expect an invitation to 
make one of the party whenever you go out 
cruising.” 

I am afraid we shan^t be able to make 
any real voyages,” Doris replied with a sigh. 


230 The Wreck of the Princess” 

“ After having had such a long vacation we 
will have to do a lot of work over our books/’ 

“ There is no reason why cruising should 
interfere with study. The ^ Princess ’ is a 
large craft for a crew of only four, and I fail 
to understand why you can’t spend the neces- 
sary time over your books even while explor- 
ing the gulf.” 

This was a possibility the young people had 
not thought of, and now that it was brought 
to mind the possession of the ” Princess ” 
seemed to have a yet greater value. 


CHAPTER XIX 


THE TRIAL TRIP 

The officers of the Newcome Wrecking 
Company, Limited, did not appear to have 
any great desire for food on this day, and it is 
safe to say they would have been better pleased 
with a luncheon of sandwiches and oranges 
than spend so much time at table when the 

Princess was at her moorings, ready for the 
trial trip, after having been beneath the surface 
so long. 

Even Mr. Bragg seemed impatient to begin 
the voyage, but since he was the host it would 
have been decidedly rude to hurry his guests, 
and it appeared to the young people as if their 
elders had never been so hungry or so slow. 

In order to make the time seemingly pass 
more quickly Doris repeated the remark made 
by Mr. Bragg relative to being able to attend 
to their studies while cruising in the Prin- 
cess,^^ and to the delight and surprise of the 
company's officers no one made any protest. 

231 


232 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess’’ 


In fact, Mr. Newcome evidently gave his ap- 
proval of the plan, when he said : 

I am confident the professor will make 
certain you spend the required number of 
hours at your tasks, even though it should be 
necessary to anchor the yacht in the open 
gulf.” 

Then Mr. Bragg announced that he had 
much the same as asked for an invitation to 
accompany the young people when they went 
on a cruise, and after a certain amount of 
small talk, such as is generally indulged in at 
such times, the company were ready to set ofiP 
for the shore. 

Sam ran ahead to warn Mr. Barclay of 
their coming, shouting as he arrived at the 
beach opposite where the Princess ” was ly- 
ing : 

‘‘They^ll be here in a minute, and you*d 
better be ready to take ^em aboard ! ” 

You and Phil must attend to that task, 
for I canT come ashore without a tender, and, 
besides, there is no reason why I should do so 
while you lads have nothing else to look 
after.” 

Shall we use Captain Ezra^s power boat ? ” 


233 


The Trial Trip 

** It will take too long to bring her in from 
moorings. The work can be done in very 
much less time with the tender. Don’t try to 
bring off too many at once. Better take the 
ladies first, and then two of the gentlemen, 
making three trips in order to avoid the pos- 
sibility of an accident.” 

I’ll look after that part of it myself, and 
then there’ll be no chance of trouble,” Sam 
replied, in his aged-uncle tone, and he made 
ready the small boat just as his father and Mr. 
Bragg appeared, walking a long distance in 
advance of the others. 

I’ll put you aboard at once, unless you’re 
to wait for the ladies,” Sam cried, evidently 
determined to show what a thorough sailor he 
was, and the gentlemen accepted the invitation 
immediately by getting into the stern-sheets 
of the small craft, thereby raising her bow 
very high and rendering easy the task of push- 
ing off from the shore. 

As a matter of fact, Sam acquitted himself 
very creditably. He leaped in when the little 
craft was afloat, and then bent to the oars that 
Mr. Bragg might see what a mistake had been 
made in believing he was not competent to 


234 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


handle any small boat that had ever been 
built. 

Unfortunately, however, Master Sam was so 
intent on displaying his skill with the oars 
that he entirely forgot it was also necessary he 
should do something in the way of steering, 
and a loud shout from his father first apprised 
him of the fact that the Princess ’’ was close 
aboard. 

The warning came too late, however. 
Before Sam had time to turn his head in order 
to see what had caused the outcry. Captain 
Ezra's tender struck the hull of the “ Princess" 
with such force that the oarsman was thrown 
headlong from the thwart, and the little boat, 
recoiling from the blow, went astern so quickly 
that considerable water was taken in over the 
rail, drenching the passengers thoroughly. 

Mr. Bragg, attempting to pick up the oars 
that had fallen outboard when Sam was 
thrown from the thwart, forced the tender 
over on her side until she took in half a cargo 
of water, causing Mr. Norris to cry out in fear 
lest they should be overset completely. 

As a matter of course, Sam, being in the 
bottom of the boat, was thoroughly drenched. 











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HELLO, 


ON THE SHORE!’* 






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235 


The Trial Trip 

and, what was worse, the oars went sailing off 
on their own account, leaving the tender and 
her crew at the mercy of the current. 

It is fortunate for us that you are not to 
have anything to do with the management of 
the yacht I ’’ Mr. Norris said in a tone of 
irritation, which was not lessened when Sam 
asked petulantly : 

Why didn^t you tell me we were so near 
the * Princess ^ ? How could I be expected to 
see her while I was rowing ? 

** I believe, Sam, that you can only learn by 
bitter experience, for you seem unable to 
profit by the advice or example of others,^^ 
and Mr. Norris gave all his attention to wring- 
ing the water out of his sodden garments, 
while Mr. Bragg asked grimly : 

^^WhaPs to become of us now? The 
current sets down around the sand spit, and 
we are likely to have our cruise alone. Hello 
on the shore ! he cried to Phil and Doris. 
“ Can you get into that motor boat and come 
after us ? 

I might swim out to her ; we havenT got 
another small boat here, and she's anchored 
quite a distance from the shore," Phil replied, 


236 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


and before he could say anything more, a 
loud splash was heard from the direction of 
the yacht. 

“ Professor Andy has jumped overboard I 
Sam cried, and his father muttered : 

It is fortunate that there^s one person in 
your wrecking company who has common 
sense ! 

The tutor came toward the tender with 
long, steady strokes, and Sam crept into 
the bow, believing it would be necessary to 
help him on board, but the swimmer cried 
sharply : 

Pass me the end of the painter, and then 
sit down.’^ 

Sam began to believe that every one was 
against him, and but for the necessity of im- 
mediate action he might have indulged in a 
severe attack of the sulks. As it was, how- 
ever, he obeyed the command, and then 
crouched on the thwart looking out of the 
corner of his eye at Doris and Phil, who 
were so nearly convulsed with mirth that 
they had thrown themselves flat on the sand, 
where both vainly tried to suppress screams 
of laughter. 


237 


The Trial Trip 

Mr. Barclay had taken the end of the 
painter in his teeth, and was towing the 
boat in pursuit of the oars. Understanding 
what he would do Mr. Bragg was awaiting 
the opportunity to seize the floating sticks, 
while Sam began to bail the water from the 
boat with his cap. 

No less than ten minutes were spent in 
recovering the oars, and then Mr. Bragg used 
them to pull the tender ashore, leaving the 
tutor to clamber on board the Princess 
again as best he might. 

What^s the use of going back ? ” Sam 
asked in surprise. I^m to leave you aboard 
the yacht, and go after the remainder of the 
company.’^ 

Do you fancy we can go on a cruise with 
our clothing soaked ? his father said sternly. 

You come with us to the house.^^ 

When the bow of the tender grated on the 
sand Sam stepped ashore in what he intended 
should be a dignifled manner, walking toward 
the thicket of palmetto palms without turning 
his head, but he could not shut his ears to 
Mr. Newcomers facetious remarks regarding 
those who went to sea in a bowl with a wise 


238 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


man of Gotham as pilot/^ and he realized 
that because of his carelessness the cruise 
would be delayed a full hour. 

When next Sam showed himself on the 
beach, looking remarkably ill-natured, the 
** Princess had been backed down and 
made fast to the unwieldy raft, while Phil 
was waiting at the water^s edge with the 
tender. 

Where are your father and Mr. Bragg ? 
Phil asked. If they don’t get a move on 
we won’t be ready to start till sunset.” 

Now you try to jump on me, will you?” 
Sam cried, and his cousin replied in a sooth- 
ing tone : 

I’m not jumping on you, Sam. Of course 
I want to see the ^ Princess ’ under way, and 
wish the gentlemen would move a bit more 
lively.” 

It’s just the same as blaming me for what 
happened,” Sam said sulkily. “ I supposed 
they would have sense enough to steer ” 

There’s no rudder in the tender. We 
took it up to the tent last night.” 

I forgot about that ; but it makes no dif- 
ference, for they should have looked after 


239 


The Trial Trip 

things. And look here, I heard you and 
Doris laughing when I was having so much 
trouble I '' 

“ Of course you heard us. If I had been in 
the scrape and you ashore, you^d fairly 
howled, for it was funny,’’ and again Phil 
gave way to mirth. 

Quite naturally this angered Sam, and he 
was about to make a hasty speech when his 
father and Mr. Bragg appeared from among 
the palmetto palms. 

'‘Jump in so that I may set you aboard 
before they get here,” Phil said hurriedly. 
" We won’t take the chances of loading the 
boat too deeply.” 

But to this Sam would not agree, perhaps 
only because his cousin had suggested it, and 
when Captain Ezra’s skiff was pushed off from 
the shore with the passengers aboard, she was 
loaded so deeply that the tiniest waves must 
have overlapped her rail. 

When all was in readiness for the start, 
Doris, feeling not a little nervous because of 
the responsibility thus placed upon her, went 
into the small pilot-house where were bells 
and speaking tubes connected with the motor 


240 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


room, Mr. Bragg watching her as she gave 
the signal to go ahead. 

Mr. Barclay had insisted that Phil take full 
charge of the machinery, declaring that it was 
necessary for him to do so at this time if he 
intended to act as engineer, and he himself 
went on deck to aid Sam in weighing anchor. 

The amateur engineer did his portion of 
the work properly, and when the Princess ” 
moved off at a rapid rate of speed, as com- 
pared with Captain Ezra’s craft, the tutor 
went to the window of the pilot-house. 

I do wish you would come in here,” Doris 
said nervously, as she saw him. I am 
terribly afraid of making some mistake.” 

Mr. Bragg shook his head in token that the 
tutor should not do as she desired, and Mr. 
Barclay said lightly : 

There’s no danger of your steering us into 
trouble. Miss Doris, and if you are to be our 
pilot from this on, it is quite time you had 
full control of the wheel.” 

Then the tutor went aft, where were the gen- 
tlemen and ladies, and Sam, who was still firmly 
convinced he had been abused, lounged amid- 
ships, as if afraid some one might speak to him. 


241 


The Trial Trip 

The dainty little Princess ” towed the 
clumsy raft without losing very much of her 
speed, and before she had been out of the Inlet 
ten minutes both the engineer and the pilot 
had gathered so much of confidence in their 
own abilities to perform the tasks assigned 
them, as to be able to enjoy the cruise. 

As Mr. Barclay had predicted, the yacht 
towed the raft at a rate of not less than six 
miles an hour, and Sam had not yet recovered 
from his attack of ill-nature when the com- 
pany had arrived at their destination. 

The collection of casks and timbers was cast 
olf, to be picked up later by the tender and 
towed inshore, and then the Princess ’’ was 
run alongside the landing-stage by Phil and 
Doris, without advice or assistance from any 
one. 

You are a famous pilot, and handle the 
yacht like an old salt,’’ Mr. Bragg said to 
Doris. Now we are going ashore, where I 
have a surprise for the officers of the New- 
come Wrecking Company, Limited, which has 
been arranged by Mr. Norris and Mr. New- 
come.” 

He called to Phil when he passed the door 


242 The Wreck of the “Princess” 

of the engine room, and to Sam while going 
over the rail, adding to Mr. Barclay : 

''You are to come also, professor. The 
older members of the party are to go directly 
to the hotel and wait there for us.^^ 

Sam was the only one who did not obey the 
summons, and when Phil called over his 
shoulder for him to make haste, he replied : 

" Oh, I guess 1^11 stay where I am.’^ 

Mr. Bragg was not inclined to spend any 
time in persuading the sulky lad, for he ap- 
peared to be in a hurry, and set off along the 
shore at his swiftest gait until arriving at a 
boat-house, alongside the landing-stage of 
which lay a small motor boat about fourteen 
feet in length, glittering with varnish and 
brass fittings like some dainty toy. 

" How will she do as a tender for the 
' Princess ^ ” Mr. Bragg asked, as he halted 
opposite her. 

" What a little beauty 1 Doris cried with 
a long indrawing of the breath, which was 
almost a sigh, and Phil asked : 

" Is she for sale, sir ? 

" Not now. Your father and uncle bought 
her on the day when it seemed positive you 


The Trial Trip 243 

would succeed in raising the * Princess/ and 
she has just been put in trim. I am told she 
is a handy little craft. Suppose you try her, 
while I go to the hotel and look after the old 
people ? '' 

We have yet to pick up that raft, and tow 
it ashore, so perhaps it would be as well to 
give her a trial in that way,^^ Mr. Barclay 
suggested. 

“ The very thing. Join us at the hotel 
when you have satisfied your curiosity regard- 
ing her,^^ and Mr. Bragg hurried away. 

Five minutes later the toy-like boat was 
under way, steering toward the Princess,^^ 
and while she was yet twenty yards distant, 
Sam shouted peremptorily : 

Where did you pick up that boat? 

She is our own. Father and uncle 
bought her some time ago. IsnT she a per- 
fect beauty Doris cried. 

Where are you going ? ** 

“ To tow the raft inshore,^' Professor Andy 
replied, and by that time the little craft had 
run past the Princess.^^ 

It was not a difficult task to tow the collec- 
tion of casks and timbers along the shore un- 


244 The Wreck of the ^‘Princess” 


til it grounded, and then Professor Andy in- 
sisted that they run over to the yacht, where 
the motor boat could be left while he made 
known to the people of whom the wrecking ma- 
terial had been hired that the property was at 
their disposal. 

Doris and Phil would have been only too 
well pleased to spend an hour or more aboard 
the tiny motor boat ; but it seemed necessary 
to make some show of gratitude for what had 
been done in their behalf, therefore they fol- 
lowed the tutor, leaving Sam bending over 
the “ Princess^ rail gazing at the beautiful 
tender. 

** She belongs as much to me as to them,’^ 
he muttered, and I can run a small boat like 
that as well as Phil. I guess Pll show ^em I'm 
no regular muddle-head." 

Then, assuring himself that his cousins and 
the professor were no longer where they could 
have the landing-stage in view, he dropped 
over the rail into the dainty craft. 


CHAPTER XX 


SAM IN TKOUBLE 

Unfortunately, as has already been seen, 
Sam was not willing to exert himself very 
much in the pursuit of knowledge. When 
Mr. Barclay had explained how the motor of 
Captain Ezra’s launch should be handled, he 
listened carelessly without seeking to make 
himself familiar with the methods, and the 
result was that he had only the vaguest idea 
of what had been said. 

Phil had resolutely set about studying the 
machinery to the end that he might be able 
to act as engineer of the “ Princess,” and Sam 
had watched him listlessly until he knew in 
a general way how to start the motor ; but be- 
yond that he was quite as ignorant as before 
the Newcome Wrecking Company, Limited, 
came into existence. 

Sam’s chief fault was that he believed he 
knew how this or that thing should be done 
quite as well as if he had studied the matter 
246 


246 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


thoroughly, and, therefore, there was no 
doubt in his mind, when he dropped from the 
rail of the Princess ’’ to the launch, but that 
he could handle the dainty little craft as well 
as, if not. better than, Phil or the tutor. 

Casting off the hawser hurriedly lest some 
one should come before he could get under 
way, Sam started the motor, which was not a 
difficult task, and only by greatest good for- 
tune did he escape disaster while yet along- 
side the landing-stage, for the launch darted 
off swiftly, striking the hull of the Princess 
such a blow as must have crushed the bow of 
the smaller craft had it not been delivered at 
an angle, thus admitting of its glancing off 
with no more damage than that of scraping 
considerable paint from both vessels. 

The helm of the tender had been shoved 
hard up when she was run alongside the 
** Princess,^^ and after rubbing the larger craft, 
she naturally swung inshore, on a course that 
threatened to land her high and dry on the 
sand. 

Sam succeeded in grasping the wheel quickly 
enough to prevent the catastrophe ; but, in his 
nervousness, he pushed it hard down, with the 


Sam in Trouble 


247 


result that the little boat described a half circle, 
running around the landing-stage and head- 
ing for the shore on the opposite side. 

Again Sam gave a vigorous tug at the 
wheel, and, because the motor was opened at 
full speed, the dainty boat swung sharply 
around, grazing the end of the floating stage 
with sufficient force to heel her over until the 
water came in considerable volume over the 
port rail, causing the venturesome Sam to 
believe that he was in danger of being 
drowned. 

This fear was so great that he lost his 
head completely. His one desire was to stop 
the motor until he could gain a clear idea of 
what should be done, and he turned the wheel 
until the tiny boat seemed to be headed away 
from the shore, when he made frantic efforts 
to accomplish his purpose. 

Because of ignorance, everything he did 
only seemed to make matters worse, for the 
speed of the boat was increased, and the slant 
of the helm sent her in a wide circle, suffi- 
ciently far from the shore to avoid any danger 
of going aground, but yet around and around 
like a horse in a circus ring. 


248 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Within five minutes after Sam had begun 
to ** show that he was not a regular muddle- 
head/^ a considerable number of people had 
gathered on the landing-stage curious to learn 
why the boy was sending his dainty little 
boat at such a swift pace over so limited a 
course, and it was soon understood that he 
had lost all control over her. 

The lad was, by this time, not only bewil- 
dered, but frightened, believing that before 
many minutes passed he would be wrecked, 
as, indeed, was possible in case a sailing craft 
suddenly put in toward the landing. He sat 
clutching either rail as he stared straight be- 
fore him, incapable now of making any move 
toward aiding himself 

He heard people shouting from the shore, 
and dimly understood that they were advis- 
ing him to do this or that, but he could not 
have followed the instructions even though 
he heard distinctly the words, because of hav- 
ing given way to unreasoning terror. It 
seemed as if the little craft was moving with 
increasing speed, and he wondered whether 
an explosion might not speedily put an end 
to his circus-like performance. 


Sam in Trouble 249 

It was when Sam had made three or four 
complete circuits of the course enforced by the 
slant of the rudder, that Mr. Barclay, Phil 
and Doris, attracted by the shouting throng of 
spectators, appeared on the scene. 

What can he be doing Doris cried. 
‘‘ Why does he keep circling around ? Why 
doesn’t he stop her?” 

In the first place, he hasn’t taken the 
trouble to learn anything about motors, and, 
having once started the screw, doesn’t know 
how to stop it,” the tutor replied, in what was 
very like an angry tone. She is running at 
full speed, and since he hasn’t any idea that the 
bearings need oil it is possible some of them 
may get heated, which will put an end to the 
ridiculous exhibition.” 

The throng of spectators was momentarily 
increasing. The idle ones at the hotel heard 
the shouting, and it was only natural, having 
nothing else to do, that they should gather 
where it was possible to see the foolish lad. 

As a matter of course, Mr. Bragg, as well as 
the other members of the company that had 
arrived in the Princess,” were among those 
who hastened to learn what was happening. 


250 


The Wreck of the Princess” 


and they came aboard the yacht just as Mr. 
Barclay replied in a tone of irritation to 
Doris' questions. 

How does it happen that he was allowed 
to go out alone?" Mr. Norris asked sharply, 
and Phil replied : 

He stayed aboard the * Princess ' while we 
went up to the hotel, and must have done so 
in order to get hold of the tender. Why 
doesn’t he stop her?" 

Nearly everybody on the shore was asking 
the same question, as the little craft sailed 
swiftly around, throwing the spray high over 
her bow, and yet the unhappy Sam remained 
seated aft, clutching the rail with both hands 
as he kept his eyes fixed upon the dizzying 
course. 

“ Wouldn’t it be possible for us to run out 
in the ^Princess’ and pass him a line?" Mr. 
Bragg asked of Mr. Barclay, and the latter re- 
plied : 

** We should be running the risk of wreck- 
ing the tender, for Sam is no longer capable of 
minding the helm." 

Better that than have him continue mak- 
ing a spectacle of himself," Mr. Bragg said 


Sam in Trouble 


251 


sharply. We can't stand here idle while he 
is giving such a show of idiocy and terror." 

If you say the word, sir, I'll make the at- 
tempt, but it will be adding to the exhibition, 
and the ‘ Princess ' may not come out un- 
harmed." 

** Anything is preferable to inaction," Mr. 
Newcome cried angrily, and Mr. Barclay re- 
plied, after remaining silent while one might 
have counted ten : 

“ If one of you gentlemen will take the 
helm I'll do my best to get hold of the tender 
as we dash past her. I question if the ^ Prin- 
cess ' can safely be sailed in such a small 
circle, therefore it's a matter of coming along- 
side when the inshore turn is made. Then 
we can follow for a distance of half the cir- 
cumference of the ring he is making and I 
should be able to get aboard. Even if I fail 
it will only result in a wetting ; but the yacht 
must be sent straight ahead, lest Sam's craft, 
in completing another circle, should strike 
her with sufficient force to work damage to 
one or the other." 

** Don't stop to explain what you propose 
to do," Mr. Norris said nervously. Get 


252 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


about it without loss of time, and we'll obey 
any command you may give." 

“ Make ready to start the motor, Phil," the 
tutor whispered to the lad. “ When we move 
out to catch Sam send her ahead at full speed, 
but stand by to stop her at a moment's notice, 
for we must do some fine work if we succeed 
in rescuing your cousin from the result of his 
own folly." 

“ I wish he'd fall overboard, for then we 
could pick him up without much trouble ; 
but I'm afraid he'll start in on some other 
crazy notion about the time Professor Andy 
gets ready to do something," Phil said to 
himself, as he obeyed orders by going to the 
motor. 

The tutor did not waste many moments in 
making preparations. He threw off his coat 
and boots, unmoored the Princess," and 
backed her away from the landing-stage until 
she was headed toward the circle of white 
water that had been churned up by the run- 
away tender, after which he said to Phil, 
when Mr. Bragg had taken the wheel : 

Start slowly ; but be ready to give her 
all the power ! " Then to Mr. Bragg he cried : 


Sam in Trouble 


253 

Head straight for the lower side of the circle. 
Now, Phil, all the speed she’s got I ” 

The Princess ” darted ahead like an ar- 
row, while Sam was on the shoreward turn, 
and so nicely had Mr. Barclay calculated the 
distance, that the yacht’s bow was overlap- 
ping the tender’s stern as the latter circled 
seaward once more. 

Bun as close as you can,” the tutor cried 
as he leaped on the starboard rail forward. 

It won’t do any great harm if you strike her 
while we’re both going in the same direction.” 

To Doris, who stood near the professor, it 
seemed as if the words had but just been 
uttered, when the tutor leaped over, and with 
a scream of fear, she ran to the rail, believing 
the little craft would certainly be swamped 
if he struck her. 

Mr. Barclay had no idea, however, of try- 
ing to jump into the tender, for he knew only 
too well that by such a course he would 
swamp the small boat. His purpose was to 
leap so close aboard that it would be possible 
to catch the rail, and in this he succeeded, 
although several seconds elapsed before Doris 
could assure herself of the fact, owing to the 


254 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


volume of water that was thrown up in the 
form of spray as he struck the surface. 

The Princess ” dashed on in a direct line, 
thus clearing the probable course of the tender 
when she came around again, and Doris had 
no more than made certain the tutor had a 
hold on the tender’s rail, when Mr. Bragg 
shouted to Phil : 

Better stop her, lad, and we’ll wait here till 
we see whether our services may be needed.” 

Now Doris had the launch in full view, 
and could see that the tutor was simply hold- 
ing to the stern, allowing himself to be towed 
along while he tried to arouse Sam to ac- 
tivity. 

The little craft had made a full circle 
before he apparently understood that any 
such effort was useless, and then he began to 
haul himself inboard over the stern at great 
risk of filling her with water, for his weight 
sunk her level with the surface. 

It was possible to hear Sam scream shrilly 
in fear when the stern was flooded, and then 
it seemed to Doris as if Mr. Barclay literally 
leaped over the rail. 

Within half a minute the way of the 


Sam in Trouble 


255 


tender was checked, for the tutor had shut 
off the power, and as the little craft rose and 
fell on the waves of her own making, Mr. 
Barclay shouted to Mr. Bragg : 

“ Shall we run back to the landing-stage, 
sir ? ” 

It was Mr. Norris who replied to this ques- 
tion, and he spoke hurriedly, as if nervous : 

The sooner we get away from here the 
better. There is no good reason why we 
should make a yet greater spectacle of our- 
selves 1 

As if believing this to be a command, the 
tutor started the motor once more, this time 
in a leisurely manner, and when the tender 
was run alongside the '' Princess,*' Master 
Sam had not yet recovered from his fright. 
He continued to clutch either rail, as Avhen 
the little boat was foolishly racing in a circle, 
and was seemingly ignorant of the fact that 
all danger had been averted. 

Better go aboard," Mr. Barclay said as he 
caught the line which Doris passed him, and 
made the tender fast ; but the boy who had 
been bent on showing that he was not a 
muddle-head ’* remained motionless. 


256 The Wreck of the Princess” 


Come here, Sam ! Mr. Norris said sternly, 
and this command so far aroused the lad that 
he clambered inboard immediately, but stood 
amidships, near the engine-room door, as if 
undecided which way to turn. 

Go forward, and remain there until you 
are ready to make an explanation of your 
conduct,^^ his father commanded, and Sam, 
now for the first time since the rescue appear- 
ing to understand that he was in deepest 
disgrace, obeyed promptly, Doris following 
in the hope of being able to say something 
which would give him relief of mind ; but he 
turned on her angrily : 

Don^t you dare to do any crowing, Doris 
Newcome I ” he cried. “Just because you're 
willing to tag at the professor's heels, playing 
the goody, you think you can rough into me 
when I make the littlest kind of mistake." 

“ A boy doesn't make a little mistake 
when, without knowing how to handle a 
power boat, he starts her at full speed, tak- 
ing all the chances of drowning himself or 
wrecking the craft," Mr. Bragg said sharply 
as he came out of the pilot house, and mo- 
tioned for Doris to enter, adding in a low 


Sam in Trouble 


257 

tone : I am willing to give up the helm to 
the rightful pilot.’^ 

“But I -really should be better pleased if 
you remained there, sir,“ the girl said quickly, 
eager to give Sam some little of comfort, even 
though he had spoken so unkindly. 

“ I am only a guest aboard this yacht, and 
should not have taken the wheel, but that 
it was necessary the professor’s commands be 
obeyed on the instant,” and Mr. Bragg went 
aft, where the older members of the company 
had gathered. 

By this time the tutor had made the tender 
fast astern with such a length of hawser that 
no harm could come to her from the pro- 
peller, and he came forward, saying to Doris : 

“ I think the gentlemen and ladies would 
be better pleased if we got away from here 
as soon as possible. Take the helm, and I 
will give Phil the word to send Her ahead.” 


CHAPTER XXI 


EULES AND EEGULATIONS 

Although neither Doris nor Phil had done 
anything unbecoming a member of the New- 
come Wrecking Company, Limited, both felt 
as if, to a certain degree, they were in dis- 
grace because of what had happened, and the 
latter portion of this trial trip was begun 
mournfully. 

Phil started the motor in accordance with 
the command given by Mr. Barclay, but he 
gave no heed to the progress of the Prin- 
cess.’^ He looked only at the smoothly run- 
ning machinery, lest some mishap might 
occur, and would have been right well pleased 
had they been able to arrive at their destina- 
tion within five minutes after setting out, al- 
though a few hours previous it had been his 
belief that he would never tire of cruising in 
the dainty little craft. 

In the pilot house Doris stood gripping the 
wheel, with her eyes fixed on the course 
258 


Rules and Regulations 259 

ahead, never moving save when it became 
necessary to brush away the tears of dis- 
appointment because the day^s pleasuring 
had come to such a disagreeable ending, and 
taking good care not to look at the lad who 
crouched in the extreme bow, as if believing 
all on board were his personal enemies. 

Aft were gathered the guests, each striving 
to appear cheerful and take full part in the 
conversation, yet it could readily be seen that 
Sam’s behavior had cast a gloom over all. 

It is doubtful if any one, save Doris and 
Sam, had a definite idea of the progress made, 
until the “ Princess ” came oif the sand-bar 
which marked the entrance to the Inlet, and 
if a stranger had seen them he would have 
believed every person felt a sense of relief be- 
cause the voyage had come to an end. 

When Mr. Barclay went forward to let go 
the anchor Sam sulkily moved aside that he 
might get at the hawser, but made no effort to 
aid, although such work really fell to his 
share of running the yacht, and the tutor 
asked quite sharply : 

Why don’t you lay hold with me, Sam ? ” 
‘^Because I’m not certain that I shall run 


26o The Wreck of the ‘^Princess’" 


with this crowd any longer,” was the peevish 
reply. “ All hands are down on me, and no mat- 
ter what I try to do everybody jumps on me.” 

Would it have pleased you better if we 
had remained ashore until you swamped the 
tender ? ” 

If the people hadn’t made such a row 
I’d have handled her well enough. Besides, 
she belongs to me, as much as to Doris or 
Phil, and I had the right to get into her.” 

“ But not to start the motor when you knew 
nothing about running it,” and Mr. Barclay 
spoke so sternly that one might almost have 
believed he was angry. It is not the truth 
that you could have handled the tender, for 
when I jumped overboard you were absolutely 
paralyzed with fear.” 

** Well, suppose I was ? Why didn’t you 
wait to find out what I intended to do ? ” 

The tutor made no reply to this foolish 
question. He waved his hand as signal for 
Phil to stop the motor, and when the anchor 
was let go Sam crept back to his old station 
in the bow, much as if he did not intend to 
leave the yacht when the others went ashore. 

It was Mr. Barclay who took charge of the 


Rules and Regulations 261 

tender to set the guests ashore, and as he 
brought her alongside Mr. Bragg said as he 
looked at his watch : 

We have returned so much sooner than 
was expected that there is no good reason why 
you should not take Captain Curtis^ power 
boat back to him before dinner. With such a 
craft of your own, it is not well to keep a 
second one on hire when she isn^t needed.’^ 

Do you care to go with us ? the tutor 
asked, and the gentleman replied quickly : 

“ I have had yachting enough for one day. 
You young people can get back for dinner, if 
you start at once, and this evening we will 
decide upon some regulations for the better 
governing of the crew.’^ 

When Mr. Norris came to the gangway in 
order to board the tender, he said to Sam, who 
yet remained forward, giving no apparent 
heed to what was going on : 

“ You are to come with me, Samuel.^’ 

But I^d rather stay here, sir. I’d like to 
sleep on board the yacht to-night.” 

You are to come with me,” and Sam un- 
derstood by his father’s tone that it would not 
be well to make any protest. 


262 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


By going from the Princess to the shore 
twice, Mr. Barclay had landed the guests and 
Sam, and when the latter disappeared, walk- 
ing sulkily by his father^s side, Doris said in 
a sympathetic tone : 

“ I'm awfully sorry for Sam. He has 
spoiled his afternoon of pleasure, and I’m 
afraid won’t enjoy himself very well after he 
gets back to Mr. Bragg’s. ” 

And he doesn’t deserve to,” Phil said em- 
phatically, speaking for the first time since 
the homeward run was begun. If he 
hadn’t been so foolish we’d had a regular jolly 
day, and needn’t have come back until after 
dark.” 

“ Samuel has been guilty of thoughtless- 
ness, even if we do not call it by a harsher 
term,” Mr. Barclay said in his schoolmaster 
tone, and now he must pay the price. Let 
this afternoon’s work cause you to keep well in 
mind that there is a price fixed to everything 
we do in this world. If it is of good, then 
we receive the price, whatever it may be, 
either of satisfaction or joy ; if it is wrong, 
then we must pay, and in many cases heavily. 
Therefore he is wise who first counts the cost 


Rules and Regulations 263 

before setting out on any course. Now, if you 
would like to run up to Captain Curtis’ boat- 
house we will take his craft in tow,” and Mr. 
Barclay was once more a yachtsman. 

Phil went after the motor boat, which was 
lying at anchor a short distance away, and he 
used the little tender which Sam had come so 
near swamping. 

She’s a daisy!” he cried enthusiastically 
as he passed to the tutor the painter of Cap- 
tain Ezra’s craft. ‘‘ It seems almost that 
she’d run herself if you gave her the chance.” 

You young people are very fortunate in 
having such a tender for the ‘ Princess,’ ” 
Mr. Barclay replied gravely as once more, and 
within five minutes after Phil came on board 
again, the journey to Bay view was begun. 

Now it was that Doris and Phil had an op- 
portunity to watch the dainty vessel which 
they had raised from the bottom of the sea, 
because the tutor insisted on looking after the 
motor to the end that the engineer might re- 
main on deck. In the belief of those in the 
pilot house there had never been such a nearly 
perfect yacht built as the Princess,” and but 
for the disagreeable events of the afternoon 


264 The Wreck of the Princess” 


they would have given way to their delight 
because of having earned her. 

As it was, however, they could not banish 
thoughts of what had happened, and thus had 
Sam not only to pay the price of his misdo- 
ings, but in a certain degree others were forced 
to make payment also. 

Captain Ezra was on the landing-stage 
when the Princess came opposite, swung 
around and ran in with properly regulated 
speed until she lay gently rocking to and fro 
directly in front of the boat-house. 

'' Hello ! Whose boat is that? Captain 
Ezra cried, as he recognized Doris. “ How 
does it happen that folks will let a girl like 
you run such a craft ? 

This is the yacht we raised and then re- 
paired, Doris cried gleefully, for the expres- 
sion of amazement on the old man’s face was 
in the highest degree comical. 

“ Do you mean to tell me that’s Mr. Bragg’s 
boat?” 

It was until he gave her to us,” Phil re- 
plied. “ Say, Captain Ezra, doesn’t it look as 
if we could do a job of wrecking and ship- 
carpentering ? ” 


Rules and Regulations 265 

** Wa’al, Vve allers heard tell that paint an^ 
putty would cover a bad job in good shape ; 
but I never allowed it could be done so slick,” 
the old man replied after a long pause, during 
which he gazed critically at the bow of the 

Princess.” IPs too bad you didn^t get 
somebody what knew how to put in them 
timbers; they look mighty ragged, even with 
so thick a coatin^ of paint.” 

You think the work on that side of the 
bow has been done in a bungling manner ? ” 
Doris asked laughingly, as she came out of the 
pilot house to look over the starboard rail. 

I don^t think anythin^ about it, miss. I 
know it looks rough ; a blind man might see 
that much.” 

The side you are looking at. Captain Cur- 
tis, is just as it was left by those who built 
her,” Doris cried with a hearty laugh. It was 
the port bow that had been stove, and when 
we back out 1^11 turn her so you may see it.” 

Captain Ezra rubbed his chin reflectively, 
realizing that he had made a mistake, and 
then said slowly, as if lost in surprise : 

It does beat all how sloppy some of them 
swell yacht-builders can do their work I ” 


266 The Wreck of the Princess’" 


Then it was that Professor Andy interrupted 
the conversation, which was affording Doris 
and Phil so much amusement, by swinging 
inshore the power boat the Newcome Wreck- 
ing Company, Limited, had hired, as he said : 

You may send your bill. Captain Curtis, 
either to Mr. Newcome or Mr. Norris, for we 
shall not need this craft any longer.^^ 

“ Got a new one, I see,'^ and Captain Ezra 
craned his head to look astern of the Prin- 
cess.^' That's not sich a terrible bad lookin' 
boat ; but she's all for show, an' won't stand 
any hard knocks. Now if I'd known you 
wanted a tender with power, I'd made a trade 
for one of mine." 

It is too late now," Mr. Barclay said as he 
motioned for Phil to send the Princess " 
astern, and Captain Ezra gazed critically and 
disapprovingly at the port bow when the 
** Princess " was swung around on the home- 
ward course. 

Better run up some day, an' let me fix up 
that job a bit, so's it won't look so sloppy," 
the old man cried as the yacht glided ahead 
at full speed, and no one thought it worth 
while to make any reply. 


Rules and Regulations 267 

The Princess ’’ was at her moorings in the 
Inlet a fall half hour before the time set for 
dinner, and after she had been snugged down 
for the night and her crew were going ashore in 
the dainty little tender, Doris said with a sigh : 

It wonT be very pleasant at Mr. Bragg’s 
this evening, I’m afraid. Sam is in disgrace, 
and every one will be as stiff as when we were 
coming home.” 

I’m hoping Sam will have sense enough 
to stay in his room till the trouble blows 
over,” Phil replied, and Mr. Barclay gave his 
pupil an unpleasant surprise by adding in his 
schoolmaster tone : 

It will be well if you retire early, for in 
the morning we shall resume our studies, and 
after such a long holiday I am expecting that 
you will be willing to do considerable extra 
work.” 

Neither Doris nor Phil had very much to 
say during the walk from the shore to the 
house, and on entering the dwelling the first 
person they saw was Master Sam sitting stiffly 
in a chair, his eyes swollen as if from weep- 
ing, and wearing a general appearance of sor- 
row, if not repentance. 


268 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


Phil would have passed his cousin in si- 
lence, not knowing if the lad was in the 
humor for conversation, but Sam stopped him 
by saying : 

“ Mr. Bragg has been drawing up a lot of 
rules and regulations for us while we are on 
board the ‘Princess,' and one would think 
that he still intended to own her." 

“ What are the rules ? " Doris asked curi- 
ously. 

“ I can't remember them all, but one is that 
none of us who own the yacht must meddle 
with anything belonging to her without the 
express permission of Captain Andy. We're 
not to go on board unless he says so, and once 
there mustn't walk forward or aft till he gives 
the order. The next thing will be that we'll 
have to ask him when we want to wink." 

“ I think that is as it should be," Doris said 
decidedly, and Phil whispered : 

“ Have you got out of the scrape all 
right?" 

“ I'm out of it, and that's about all. The 
wonder is that I ain't worn down to a shadow. 
You'd think I'd been doing something terri- 
ble, just because I started that power boat." 


Rules and Regulations 269 

Well, to tell the truth, Sam, you did make 
a mix-up, and it isn’t any wonder that all 
hands were angry. I had an idea that we 
shouldn’t see you to-night.” 

“ Neither would you if the old folks hadn’t 
been arranging for a cruise to Cedar Keys, 
and I’ve got to be on my good behavior, else 
I’m likely to be left at home.” 

Cedar Keys ! And we’ll see the sponge 
fishers I ” Doris exclaimed in delight. 

“ It’ll be a great cruise, for they count on 
being gone four or five days, and I’m trying 
my best to make up for what happened this 
afternoon, so I shan’t be left behind,” Sam 
said as he tried, with fairly good success, to 
assume an expression of repentance. 

He isn’t a bit sorry for what he did,” 
Doris whispered to Phil, as the two went to 
their rooms in order to make ready for din- 
ner. *Hf it hadn’t been that a cruise to Cedar 
Keys was decided upon, he’d be off somewhere 
by himself sulking.” 

If he does go, and in case Mr. Bragg has 
made many rules for the running of the 
‘Princess,’ it’s a safe guess that he’ll break 
one of them every hour, else a mighty big 


270 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


change has come over him/’ Phil said mourn- 
fully. Of course, I shouldn’t want him left 
behind while the rest of us go off pleasur- 
ing; but I’m afraid we shall be in hot water 
on his account a good portion of the time.” 

“We’ll see what the rules are,” Doris added 
hopefull3^ “If Professor Andy is in charge 
of the ^Princess,’ with us to obey his com- 
mands, I’m thinking he’ll keep Sam straight, 
or make matters very uncomfortable. I won- 
der if we are to go on with our studies, now 
that this cruise has been decided upon ? ” 

“ Most likely that is one of the rules, and if 
so it will be tough on us, for the others will 
be running the yacht, and that is the best 
part of cruising, according to my ideas.” 


CHAPTER XXII 


CKUISING 

What surprised the young people on this 
evening, after the trial trip of the “ Princess 
had come to a disagreeable end, was the fact 
that at dinner table no one spoke of setting 
off on a cruise to Cedar Keys. 

Sam was present throughout the meal, do- 
ing his best to play the part of a repentant lad 
in order that his parents might not consider 
it necessary he be left at home as punishment, 
and never a word was spoken regarding the 
unpleasant events of the afternoon. 

It was as if the Princess ” had never been 
raised from the bottom of the Inlet, so far as 
the conversation of the elder members of 
the party was concerned, and Doris whis- 
pered to her brother as the two arose from 
the table : 

Sam has made a mistake. No one here is 
even thinking of going to Cedar Keys, else 
something would have been said about it.^^ 

271 


272 The Wreck of the Princess” 


When, however, Phil laughed at his cousin 
for having imagined anything of the kind, 
Sam stoutly declared that the cruise had been 
decided upon, and would be begun on the fol- 
lowing morning. He claimed to have heard 
Mr. Bragg promise that the yacht should be 
provisioned soon after sunrise, and proposed 
that Mr. Barclay be called upon for an expla- 
nation. 

But the professor was at Captain Ezra^s 
boat-house when you say the plans were made, 
and can^t know more about it than do we,^’ 
Phil replied, and Sam added : 

“ You’ll find out that he has been told the 
whole story by this time, and if you get 
Doris at him, she’ll make him tell what he 
knows.” 

Therefore it was that, ten minutes later, just 
as the tutor was leaving the house in a man- 
ner that told he was eager to escape observa- 
tion, Doris met him in the garden as if by ac- 
cident, and asked plainly whether he had 
heard anything about a proposed cruise to 
Cedar Keys. 

I hardly know whether I am warranted 
in answering that question,” the professor re- 


Cruising 273 

plied smilingly. “ Your parents have decided, 
because of what occurred this afternoon, that 
you young people are not to be allowed to 
manage the yacht as you please, until after it 
has been shown that there is no danger that 
anything of such a nature as we witnessed a 

few hours ago can again occur 

“ But Phil and I had no part in that I 
Doris cried in astonishment. '' Surely we are 
not to be punished for what Sam does ! 

He is a member of the company, and, 
therefore, you two, as his partners, must be 
held in a certain measure responsible for his 
mischief” 

And because he is to be disciplined I 
must be kept in ignorance of what is to be 
done with the ‘ Princess ^ ” Doris asked in- 
dignantly. 

As I have said, his misdeeds affect you in 
a certain degree, and because of them a num- 
ber of rules have been drawn up by your par- 
ents and Mr. Bragg. I haven^t had time to 
copy all of them as yet, but here are two, one 
of which seems to prevent me from answering 
the question you asked.” 

Mr. Barclay drew from his pocket two 


274 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


cards, on the first of which was written in 
bold letters : 

“ The captain of the ‘Princess^ is forbidden 
to make any announcement of his sailing 
orders to the owners of the yacht/^ 

The second card bore the following inscrip- 
tion : 

“ The owners of the ‘ Princess * must obey, 
without questioning, any command given by 
the captain, under penalty of being forbidden 
to board the yacht.” 

It is just the same as taking the boat 
from us ! ” Doris cried indignantly. Phil 
and I have obeyed orders, and will continue 
to do so ; but because Sam acts foolishly, we 
mustnT know what is to be done with our 
own property ! How many rules like that 
have they made ? ” 

There are a number regarding the conduct 
of the owners while on board the yacht, and 
they became necessary since Sam persists in 
acting foolishly. You are forced to pay a cer- 
tain portion of the price of his misdeeds be- 
cause of being his partners.” 

Doris wheeled about suddenly, and walked 
into the house with a great show of dignity. 


Cruising 275 

She believed it was unjust to punish her for 
Sam’s wrong-doing, and just for the moment 
determined not to lay any further claim to 
the “ Princess.” 

As a matter of course Phil and Sam were 
eager to learn the result of the interview with 
the tutor, and they, like Doris, felt that an 
injustice was being done them. Sam did not 
hesitate to speak very sharply, seeming to for- 
get that he was directly responsible for the 
new rules, and declared that he would go at 
once to Mr. Bragg in order to protest against 
this infringement upon his rights. 

“ Just for a minute I believed I’d never go 
on board the * Princess ’ again,” Doris said to 
her brother after Sam had walked away deter- 
mined on having a settlement with Mr. 
Bragg. ** When you come to think of what 
was done this afternoon, though, you can’t 
blame our parents for taking charge of the 
yacht as they have done. You and I have no 
need to feel so very badly, because we know 
that this has not been brought about through 
any fault of ours.” 

Sam did not return to report the result of 
his interview with Mr. Bragg, nor did his 


276 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


cousins see him again that evening ; but he 
surprised them both next morning by showing 
himself in the garden before any other of the 
household was astir. 

What^s the matter ? ” Phil asked from his 
chamber window, and Sam replied : 

That cruise to Cedar Keys is coming off 
to-day, j ust as I told you. The servants carried 
provisions down to the yacht last night, and 
Mr. Barclay slept on board. 

But what has that to do with your being 
up so early? 

'' I want to make certain they donT leave 
me behind, and you and Doris better move 
lively if you count on going.^^ 

“ I don’t intend to bully them into taking 
me,” Phil replied curtly. ** I’ll go down-stairs 
at the same time I usually do, and if it’s a case 
of leaving us behind, there won’t be any kick 
coming from me.” 

“ Then you’re willing they should take the 
^ Princess ’ away from us, after we have worked 
so hard to earn her ? ” 

No one has any intention of doing that. 
We went on a cruise yesterday, and you 
shamed all hands, therefore it’s a case of our 


Cruising 277 

taking punishment, or paying the price as 
Professor Andy puts it, without whining/^ 

Then Phil disappeared from the window, 
and Sam walked rapidly away, looking rather 
uncomfortable. 

When all, with the exception of Mr. Barclay, 
were gathered at the breakfast table, Mr. Bragg 
said to Doris, as if it was a matter concerning 
which he had already spoken : 

We shall start on a long cruise as soon 
after breakfast as possible, and expect that you 
will serve us at the helm as well as you did 
yesterday.’’ 

Am I the only one of the Newcome Wreck- 
ing Company, Limited, who will be allowed 
to go ?” 

We count on having all that famous 
company with us.” 

“ But we who raised the ^ Princess ’ are not 
allowed to run her I ” Sam cried hotly, and 
Mr. Bragg replied gravely : 

It has been decided that full control of 
the yacht will not be given over to you young 
people until all three have shown that you 
can be trusted. Those who have done their 
duty must, because of the partnership, suffer 


278 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess’’ 


for the sins of the one who went wrong. It 
now remains to be seen if you who own the 
* Princess ^ can handle her according to the 
restrictions laid down when you first took pos- 
session, coupled with the rules which have been 
made because of what took place yesterday.’’ 

Sam was silenced ; the elders of the company 
apparently gave no heed to what was being 
said, and Doris and Phil, having come to an 
end of the meal, went to their rooms that they 
might make ready for the cruise. 

Therefore it was that Sam saw neither of 
his partners until they came down to the shore, 
where Mr. Barclay was waiting with the tender 
to set the company on board the Princess,” 
and from that moment until the yacht was 
well out in the gulf there was no opportunity 
for conversation between the members of the 
wrecking company. 

Acting as captain, the tutor had sent Phil 
into the motor room, and Doris to the wheel- 
house, while Sam had been ordered to remain 
amidships, where he could be ready for what- 
ever service might be required. 

During an hour the crew of the Princess ” 
remained at stations, while the elders of the 


Cruising 279 

company appeared to be enjoying themselves 
hugely on the quarter-deck, and then Sam, 
watching until Mr. Barclay had gone into 
the motor room, went up to the pilot-house 
window, looking decidedly out of temper, as 
he said surlily : 

I^m getting tired of this foolishness. If 
we own the ^ Princess,^ weVe got the right to 
run her without having to fall down when- 
ever the professor winks his eye, and if Mr. 
Bragg counts on backing out of the bargain, 
then I’m ready to be set ashore, because I 
didn’t go into the wrecking business simply to 
become the tutor’s servant.” 

“ Now don’t make trouble, Sam,” Doris said 
imploringly. ** All this has come about be- 
cause of what you did yesterday, and if you 
turn sulky again, Phil and I shall have to take 
a full share of your punishment, as we are 
doing this very minute.” 

“ It isn’t on my account ; but simply be- 
cause Professor Andy wants to show off as 
captain,” Sam cried so loudly that those who 
were aft might have heard him. I’ll teach 
Mr. Bragg that he and the tutor can’t ride 
rough-shod over me ! ” 


28 o The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 


At that moment Mr. Barclay came on deck, 
and, seeing Sam at the window of the pilot- 
house, asked sharply : 

Did Miss Doris request you to wait on 
her, Samuel ? 

I came here because it pleased me better 
than loafing amidships,’^ Sam replied defi- 
antly. 

And now you will take your proper sta- 
tion because of the order which was given.” 

“ I shall do nothing of the kind,” and now 
Sam lost all control of his temper. I didn^t 
come aboard this yacht to be ordered here or 
there like a servant. If there is any work to 
be done. I’ll be on hand ; but you’ve got no 
right to say that I shall stay in any one place.” 

'' According to the rules which were drawn 
up last night ” 

I don’t want to hear anything about your 
rules ! ” Sam cried in a rage. I didn’t have 
any hand in making them, and, therefore, can’t 
be bound by anything you and Mr. Bragg 
cooked up.” 

You must at least listen while I tell you 
that full authority has been given me to take 
command of this yacht, and if any of the crew 


Cruising 281 

refuse to obey an order given while we are 
under way, I am to compel obedience by force. 
I should be better pleased if we could get along 
in a friendly manner 

Well, we can’t, not if you claim the right 
to make me stay amidships like a hired 
man ! ” 

Samuel, you will go into the forepeak, 
considering yourself under arrest, and there 
remain until such time as you are ready to 
obey orders,” Mr. Barclay said firmly, but 
without any show of ill-temper, and Doris 
whispered to the angry lad : 

Please do as he tells you, Sam, or you’ll 
spoil all our sport. We can have a right good 
time if ” 

I shall stay where I please!” Sam cried 
furiously, and there are not enough half- 
baked tutors in the state of Florida to make 
me go into the forepeak ! The idea of putting 
me under arrest I What does he think he is 
— a policeman ? ” 

Sam had hardly ceased speaking when Mr. 
Barclay suddenly seized him by the coat collar 
from behind, and, as if he had been of no more 
weight than a feather, carried him forward. 


282 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


The angry boy struggled and kicked : but 
he was as helpless as a baby in the tutor’s 
grasp, and found himself dropping into the 
forepeak even while believing it would be pos- 
sible to save himself from such an indignity. 

Then, heeding not his threats, Mr. Barclay 
fastened over the small hatchway a stout 
grating, which Doris had never before seen on 
board, thus making him a close prisoner. 

This the tutor did as if it were the ordinary 
procedure on board a pleasure yacht, and 
while all those aft, including Sam’s parents, 
must have heard the outcries, not one gave 
token that anything of an unusual nature was 
taking place, although even after the grating 
was secured in place, the screams of the 
prisoner might have been heard a full quarter 
of a mile away. 

I am going into the motor room so that 
Philip may have a breath of fresh air on deck,” 
Mr. Barclay said to Doris, who stood at the 
wheel apparently very uncomfortable in mind. 
“You will signal for me if you see any one ap- 
proaching the forward hatch.” 

Five minutes later Phil came on deck look- 
ing nearly as much disturbed as did Doris, 


Cruising 283 

and, standing at the wheel-house window, he 
asked in a whisper : 

What kind of a row has been going on 
here ? 

Sam wouldn’t do as the professor told him 
and now he’s down there fastened in,” Doris 
replied as she pointed with trembling finger 
at the grating on the forehatch. I can’t 
imagine why aunt or uncle didn't interfere, 
for he screamed as if being killed.” 

Where did that grating come from ? I 
don’t remember having seen it before.” 

Professor Andy must have made it last 
night,” Doris replied tremulously. You 
can see that it is new and he seemed to know 
just exactly what to do with Sam. Phil, I’m 
beginning to believe that this cruise was 
planned for the sole purpose of giving Sam a 
lesson. It wasn’t spoken of until after he had 
disgraced himself in the tender and at the same 
time all the new rules were made.” 

You believe it is up to Professor Andy to 
show Sam what is likely to happen if he 
keeps on having ugly fits? ” 

It must be, else some of the people would 
have come forward when he was screaming so 


284 The Wreck of the ^‘Princess’" 


loudly. Isn’t it dreadful to think that we 
have been allowed to come on this cruise 
simply for the purpose of being disciplined? ” 

“ I’m not so certain about that, Doris,” 
Phil replied thoughtfully. We know that 
the professor is a mighty decent fellow when 
he’s treated half-way square, and I’m thinking 
that you and I won’t have any trouble, even 
though we are out for discipline. But if Sam 
doesn’t come to his senses in short order it’ll 
be a long while before he forgets this cruise. 
I wonder if I hadn’t better speak with him?” 

“ Don’t, Phil ! Don’t do anything of the 
kind, for I have orders to signal to the motor 
room if any one goes near the hatchway. 
I’m afraid we’re going to have a dreadful time 
before we get to Cedar Keys.” 


CHAPTER XXIII 


A CASE OF DISCIPLINE 

Doris^ suggestion that the cruise had 
been planned for the sole purpose of disciplin- 
ing Sam, and that Mr. Barclay had been given 
full power to assign such a lesson as he deemed 
necessary, caused Phil to look about him. 

“ I guess there’s no question but that this 
is a case of discipline all right, and Sam is 
bound to get the worst of it unless he takes a 
quick turn,” Phil said to Doris after his 
survey of the surroundings, and his sister re- 
plied in a whisper : 

I’m afraid it will be a good while before 
he does anything of the kind. You know 
how long it takes him to come around from a 
fit of the sulks and it will be more difficult 
for him to recover his temper while being 
much the same as shut up in jail.” 

Well, to tell the truth, Doris, I can’t feel 
very sorry for him, because he has behaved 
like a duffer since we came to Florida, and it’s 
285 


286 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


time he was made to understand that he isn^t 
the only thing in this world. 

“ Don’t speak like that, Phil, please don’t, 
while Sam must be suffering so severely ! ” 
Doris cried imploringly. “ I’ll admit that he 
has tried the patience of us all, and his at- 
tacks of the sulks are something of which he 
should be ashamed ; but only think of his 
being treated like a real criminal ! ” 

What harm does it do to put the matter 
plainly, even though he is our cousin and a 
right good fellow when he has his temper 
under control ? If Professor Andy has orders 
to discipline Sam, we can’t do anything to 
prevent it.” 

But mightn’t it be possible for you to 
give him some good advice ? It is certain his 
father and mother don’t intend to interfere, 
and no one knows how long he’ll stay in that 
dreadful place rather than admit he is in the 
wrong.” 

You say the professor gave orders to call 
him if any one attempted to go near the fore- 
hatch, and it isn’t likely I can stand here and 
yell to Sam anything to which he would 
heed,” and Phil turned away as if believing 


A Case of Discipline 287 

such a conversation profitless, while he may 
also have fancied that such a severe lesson 
would be of greatest benefit to his cousin. 

Doris, however, was not disposed to shut 
out from her mind Sam^s sufferings. Regard- 
less of the fact that he had brought it all upon 
himself, her sympathies were aroused, and it 
did not seem possible she could remain at the 
helm giving no apparent heed, while he was 
in such sore trouble, therefore she said plead- 
ingly : 

‘‘ You might ask permission of Professor 
Andy to have a talk with Sam.^^ 

“And then what?’^ Phil asked impa- 
tiently. “ You surely don’t have any idea 
that he will listen to what I say?” 

“ Perhaps he won’t at first ; but if you tell 
him what you believe, and also, in a kindly 
way, make him understand how really dis- 
agreeable he is when those fits are upon him, 
he must come to understand that neither he 
nor any other person has a right to behave in 
such a manner.” 

“ All that sounds well while you are talking, 
Doris ; but I’ve got a fairly good idea of how 
Sam would rave.” 


288 The Wreck of the ^‘Princess” 


** You needn^t put it in a brutal way ; and 
even though he won’t listen at first, I am 
certain you can do him a world of good. 
With him shut up in that horrible place, this 
cruise will be a perfect misery ; but we can 
have the jolliest kind of a time if he behaves 
himself. Please go and speak with the pro- 
fessor about it, Phil, for my sake, if not for 
his.” 

It had never been possible for Phil to resist 
his sister’s pleading, and although an attempt 
to reform Sam was by no means pleasing, he 
went into the motor room at once, there re- 
peating to the tutor much of what Doris had 
said. 

I am not certain but that you can do 
the poor fellow considerable good,” Professor 
Andy said in a kindly tone. It isn’t prob- 
able he will listen patiently at first ; but he 
can’t fail to think over what you say, and 
must in time come to understand that all this 
is for his future good.” 

Is it possible to make him any promise ? ” 
Phil asked. I mean would he be set free if 
he agreed to behave himself? ” 

Yes, when he voluntarily asks permission 


A Case of Discipline 289 

to go aft and there promises solemnly to do 
all he may in the future to curb his temper/' 
was the grave reply. “ He has given way to 
anger so many times that it will be difficult 
at first to restrain himself : but it can be done, 
and it is absolutely for his own good." 

Phil went forward, doubtful as to whether 
he might not excite, rather than soothe, his 
cousin by making a plain statement of facts, 
and on gaining the window of the pilot-house 
said in a whisper to Doris : 

“ I'm going to try my luck ; but am afraid 
it will only result in making a bad matter 
worse." 

** Be kind to the poor fellow, for he has had 
so many of these fits that I am beginning to 
believe they are much the same as a real 
disease." 

I only wish they were so much so that we 
could give him a dose of medicine, instead of 
treating the illness with talk," Phil replied 
with a mirthless smile as he continued on to 
the forehatch. 

The prisoner must have heard his footsteps 
on the deck, for before Phil could look down 
through the grating, Sam shouted the direst 


290 The Wreck of the ‘‘Princess” 


threats unless he was released immediately, 
evidently believing it was Mr. Barclay who 
had come forward. 

“ Don’t make such a row, Sam, or the 
people aft will hear you,” Phil said as he bent 
over the grating until it was possible to see 
his cousin directly beneath, clutching the 
heavy oaken bars as if believing it would be 
possible to wrench them apart. 

“ I want them to hear me I ” Sam 
screamed. It’s time somebody took that 
miserable tutor in hand, and showed him he 
couldn’t jump on people like this I ” 

Now see here, Sam, you know that your 
father and mother heard all the row, when 
Professor Andy put you in here, for your 
yells came to me in the motor room almost as 
plainly as if I had been on deck. Can’t you 
understand that they have given the tutor his 
instructions, else he wouldn’t have dared to 
shut you in here ? ” 

Then Phil told of the new grating which 
must have been made the evening previous, 
and repeated what he and Doris had come to 
believe relative to the reason for the cruise, to 
all of which Sam listened with a greater or 


A Case of Discipline 291 

less degree of patience, and when his cousin 
ceased speaking he literally roared : 

“ If anybody thinks that putting me into 
a hole like this will do any good, it is a big 
mistake ! The time has come when that tutor 
must be made to keep his place, and until he 
apologizes for having treated me in such a man- 
ner, ril make things hot on board this yacht ! ” 

** You won't have a chance to get much of a 
heat on, for it's certain you'll be kept here till 
you are ready to promise that there shall be 
no more exhibitions of temper," Phil said, 
speaking in the most friendly tone, but evi- 
dently failing of convincing his cousin as to 
the truth of the statement, for Sam inter- 
rupted him by screaming : 

** I might have known that you and Doris 
would take sides with Andy Barclay I It just 
pleases you to shut me in here as if I was a 
murderer I " 

** If it hadn't been that Doris coaxed me to 
have a talk with you, I wouldn't have dared 
to come here," and now Phil spoke sharply. 

Neither she nor I want matters to go in this 
way, for it is spoiling all the fun of the cruise. 
There were a good many things she wanted 


292 


The Wreck of the “Princess” 


me to say to you in the hope that you’d come 
around and act as a decent fellow should ; but 
I reckon it’ll be better if I hold my tongue.” 

You might as well be as disagreeable as 
possible, for it’ll please you better than to be 
friendly. You’re strutting around thinking 
that you are way above me just because a 
miserable tutor has been given permission to 
treat me like a brute I ” 

As a matter of course, Doris could hear all 
the conversation from her station at the wheel, 
and when Phil turned away as if to abandon the 
effort to bring Sam to reason, she cried softly : 

** Don’t give up so soon, Phil I Repeat to 
him what we said to each other, and make him 
understand that there can be no change in the 
situation until he does what is required.” 

But he won’t listen to me, and I’m only mak- 
ing matters worse by trying to say anything,” 
Phil replied impatiently, and Sam screamed : 

Go ahead and say what you two have 
cooked up in order to crowd me when I’m 
down ! I’ll listen ; but we’ll have a settle- 
ment after I get out of this place and don’t 
you forget it ! ” 

There was little encouragement for Phil to 


293 


A Case of Discipline 

continue his efiforts to aid the angry boy ; but 
Doris was watching him with a world of en- 
treaty in her eyes, and he set about the task 
with no little irritation because it should have 
become necessary. 

Phil first repeated what Mr. Barclay had 
said, and then believing the time for plain 
speaking had come, told Sam what effect his 
fits of ill-temper had upon those around him, 
picturing the difference between what hap- 
pened after the Newcome Wrecking Company, 
Limited, came into existence, and that which 
might have been the case if he had controlled 
himself at least to the extent of not giving 
way to unreasoning anger. 

Warming to the subject, because by Sam^s 
silence he believed the lad was listening in 
something approaching a friendly mood, Phil 
strove most earnestly to point out how much 
more of enjoyment and content of mind 
might be had by not giving way to temper, 
and was flattering himself that he had suc- 
ceeded in his purpose, when Sam interrupted 
by asking hoarsely : 

Ain't you about through with that ser- 
mon?'' 


294 The Wreck of the ‘‘Princess” 

It isn^t a sermon, Sam. I have been trying 

to show you that it is necessary for you to ” 

Don’t strain yourself. I’ve heard enough, 
and a good deal too much. I did think the 
tutor was considerable of a cad when it came 
to preaching : but he isn’t in it with you. I 
reckon you feel better because of roughing 
into me when I can’t help myself ; but while 
I’m squaring matters with Andy Barclay, I’ll 
give you a whirl, and then perhaps you won’t 
run away with the idea that you’re pretty 
much of an angel I ” 

It would have been strange indeed if Phil 
had not been provoked by such words, and he 
also felt no little shame because his cousin ap- 
parently believed he enjoyed the opportunity 
of speaking thus plainly. 

He leaped back from the grating as if some 
one had struck him full in the face, and 
his cheeks were crimson when he turned 
toward Doris, who, understanding much of 
what was in his mind, said soothingly : 

** He doesn’t really know what he’s saying, 
and you couldn’t feel badly because he turned 
in such a manner. You have the satisfaction 
of knowing that you did your duty.” 


295 


A Case of Discipline 

** That doesn’t count when a fellow has 
made a cad of himself, and as a matter of fact, 
I believe Sam had good reason for calling me 
one. I’ll go back to the motor room where I 
belong, and when you find me mixing into a 
case of discipline again, you may set it down 
that I have lost my head entirely.” 

Doris would have made another attempt at 
soothing him, but he gave her no opportunity, 
and when he entered the motor room Mr. 
Barclay could come very near guessing what 
had taken place, as was shown when he said 
in a sorrowful tone : 

It isn’t to be expected that Samuel will 
get in the way of understanding himself so 
soon after having been handled roughly. We 
must have patience with the lad, and I ven- 
ture to predict that within the next twenty- 
four hours he will view the situation in a 
different light” 

“ And in the meanwhile he is spoiling all 
the fun of the cruise ! ” 

“ Yes, that is the price we must pay for his 
ill-temper. I am free to admit that we shan’t 
be a very jolly party until he has come to his 
senses.” 


296 The Wreck of the ‘^Princess” 

How long must he stay in the forepeak ? ** 

Until he has done as I have said.” 

I^m thinking that he’ll be there when we 
get back to Mr. Bragg’s, for he’s boiling now, 
and won’t cool off very soon.” 

In that case, he will forfeit all right to 
come on board the ‘ Princess ’ while we remain 
in Southern waters.” 

A few seconds later Doris answered a shrill 
whistle through the speaking tube, to hear 
her brother repeat what Mr. Barclay had said. 

But it’s breaking my heart to have him 
shut up in that dreadful place,” Doris said 
with a sob. 

That’s the worst of the whole business ; 
all the rest of us must be made to feel uncom- 
fortable, while I really believe he’s enjoying 
himself planning how to get even with the 
tutor,” and Phil would have said more in an 
angry tone, but that Doris interrupted him by 
saying softly : 

“ Mr. Bragg is coming forward, and I’ll get 
him to take the wheel so that I can talk with 
Sam.” 


CHAPTER XXIV 


GOOD RESOLUTIONS 

As Doris had told her brother, Mr. Bragg 
came forward while she was using the speak- 
ing tube, and stopped at the window of the 
pilot-house as if to have a chat ; but she was 
too deeply concerned with Sam’s sufferings to 
listen. As soon as he paused she asked for 
permission to speak to Sam. Mr. Bragg shook 
his head. 

It is not for me to say what you may or 
may not do, my child. Mr. Barclay has the 
matter in charge, and Samuel’s parents have 
agreed not to interfere no matter what may 
happen. You must ask his permission, if 
you wish to coax your cousin into behaving 
himself, but my advice is to let him alone 
until he has been made to know that he can’t 
do as he pleases in the way of making other 
people uncomfortable.” 

I wasn’t intending to ask the professor’s 
297 


298 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


permission ; but thought if you^d take the 
wheel for a few moments, I^d run forward/^ 
That ITl willingly do, even while dis- 
approving of your purpose,*^ Mr. Bragg re- 
plied promptly, entering the pilot-house as 
he spoke, and in another moment Doris was 
bending over the grating which covered the 
forehatch, whispering softly : 

Sam ! Sam, let me speak to you a moment, 
please.^’ 

“Talk all you want to, for I canT help 
myself ; but I neednT listen unless I choose,^^ 
was the surly reply as Master Sam remained 
hidden from view in the gloom of his small 
prison. 

“ It spoils all our good time to have you 
shut in ” 

“ I’m not the one who is doing it,” Sam 
said angrily. “ Go to that miserable tutor, 
if that’s all you’re after.” 

“ But, Sam, dear,” Doris said in a pleading 
tone, “ he has been told what to do and it 
has been agreed by uncle and aunt that they 
will not interfere. Why not tell him you 
won’t have any more of these spells, and come 
on deck where you belong ? ” 


Good Resolutions 299 

I wouldn^t beg of him any more than I’d 
cut my ear off! ” the prisoner cried in a rage. 
** He shall come down on his knees to me, 
else I’ll stay here till I die I ” 

Of course, you’ll be let out when we get 
home ; but it will be with the understanding 
that you can’t come on board the ^ Princess ’ 

again while we stay in Florida ” 

He won’t dare try to do anything of the 
kind 1 I own as much of this yacht as either 
you or Phil, and I’ll go on board her when I 
please 1 ” 

“ Of course you couldn’t if your father for- 
bade it, and that is what will be done.” 

We’ll see whether it will or not I Father 
is sure to come around after a while, for he 
always does, and then I’ll show Andy Bar- 
clay what’s what 1 ” 

By this time Doris came to understand 
that it was useless for her to make any 
further effort toward persuading Sam he was 
only making serious trouble for himself, and 
without another word she went back to the 
pilot-house, Mr. Bragg saying as she entered : 

Of course, I couldn’t help hearing what 
he said, and it shall be my business to repeat 


300 The Wreck of the Princess” 


it to Mr. Norris. Because SamueFs father 
has always given in to him, the lad believes 
it is only necessary to remain stubborn a cer- 
tain length of time in order to carry his point, 
and therefore it is that he makes no effort to 
control his temper. 

Then Mr. Bragg, giving the wheel up to 
Doris, went aft at once, while she could have 
cried with vexation, because instead of work- 
ing the prisoner any good, the brief conver- 
sation would have the effect of making his 
parents more convinced that a severe lesson 
was absolutely necessary. 

Half an hour later Professor Andy, who 
had remained well aft as if to give Phil and 
Doris an opportunity to plead with Sam, 
came forward, and, pointing to a landing on 
the port bow, announced : 

The gentlemen have decided that we are 
to lie inside that float for the night, and you 
may give the yacht a sharp turn to starboard 
when we are opposite it.’^ 

Are there any houses near by ? Doris 
asked, failing to see other signs of a dwelling 
than the landing-stage. 

** A friend of your uncle^s has taken a cot- 


Good Resolutions 


301 


tage there for the remainder of the season. 
It stands well back from the shore, and is 
hidden by the trees, I am told.’^ 

** Are we to make a visit there ? Doris 
asked a moment later. 

I believe that is the plan. At all events, 
the company will go ashore immediately the 
yacht is moored.^* 

While one might have counted ten Doris 
remained silent, looking sad and perplexed, 
and then she whispered : 

'' What about Sam ? 

He will remain where he is until having 
voluntarily given the required pledge,^^ the 
tutor replied gravely. 

The Princess was nearly opposite the 
landing before Doris spoke again, and then 
came the question in a tremulous voice : 

** Are you to stay on board ? 

“ Certainly ; some one must care for the 
yacht.” 

Will — will — you try not to be too hard 
on poor Sam? He must be sulfering very 
much, and the thought of it makes me 
wretched.” 

It is not my desire to be hard on any 


302 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


one, Doris ; but my duty in this matter has 
been defined by the lad^s parents, and be- 
cause of my position as tutor I can do no less 
than carry out the instructions to the letter. 
Whenever Sam is ready to apologize publicly 
to the entire company, promising faithfully 
to make every effort to keep his temper in 
check, he will be restored to all the privileges 
enjoyed by you and Phil.*^ 

Both Doris and Phil would have preferred 
to remain on board ; but the word had been 
given that all, save the prisoner and the tutor, 
could go on shore, and they could do no less 
than obey. 

Not until the tender had put off from the 
Princess for the third time was anything 
heard from Sam, and then came an angry 
summons to be set free ; but no one gave any 
apparent heed, save that the prisoner’s mother 
seemed on the point of bursting into tears, 
while his father’s face was very grave, all of 
which gave token of the price which the ill- 
tempered lad was forcing others to pay for his 
misconduct. 

It was a hearty welcome they received on 
arriving at the dwelling occupied by Mr. 


Good Resolutions 303 

Norris’ friend ; but Doris and Phil could not 
look forward with any pleasure to the visit, 
because of having constantly in mind their 
cousin in his narrow prison. Under other 
circumstances, this stopping by the way to 
meet friends would have been a jolly inter- 
ruption to the cruise, whereas now they sat 
listlessly on the veranda thinking only of the 
unhappy lad on board the Princess,” and 
thus they paid their portion of the price Sam 
imposed upon them. 

Then it was, at the very moment when 
Doris had come to believe she could not con- 
tinue the cruise, that no less a person than 
Sam Norris suddenly appeared before her. 
The lad’s face was pale and his lips trembled 
as he asked, before either Doris or Phil could 
speak : 

“ Where are father and mother ? ” 

Inside ; they haven’t got up from the 
dinner table yet,” Phil replied, and his voice 
was no less tremulous than that of his cousin. 
“ How did — I mean — where is Professor 
Andy ? ” 

'' Aboard the yacht. He let me out of the 
forepeak after you folks had gone ashore, and 


304 The Wreck of the Princess” 


we had a long talk. He made me ashamed 
of myself, and acted in a right friendly fash- 
ion. I’ve made up my mind to do as he says, 
and the sooner the better.” 

Why didn’t you wait till we were all on 
board, instead of coming here among people 
whom you don’t know very well ? ” Doris 
asked, with a little catch of the breath which 
was much like a sob. 

Because I wanted to have it over as soon 
as possible. The professor has made me 
understand that I have acted like a cad ever 
since we came to Florida, and a long time 
before that, according to my ideas, and I’m 
going to see if I can’t be decent.” 

Oh, Sam ! ” Doris cried as she grasped 
both his hands. ** How glad I am to hear 
you say that ! But wait till I call uncle out, 
so you can speak to him privately, for we 
mustn’t let the people here know that we 
have been in any trouble.” 

When Mr. Norris made his appearance, he 
led the lad a short distance from the house, 
where the two could talk over matters pri- 
vately, and a long interview it proved to be. 

The other members of the company were 


Good Resolutions 305 

ready to take leave of their host in order to 
return to the yacht, when father and son 
appeared, walking arm in arm, like two 
chums, and a great wave of happiness swept 
over Mrs. Norris' face as she saw them. 

“ Sam and I will go on in advance," Mr. 
Norris said, after he had spoken with the 
master of the house, and then the two dis- 
appeared amid the shrubbery, not to be seen 
again until the remainder of the yachting 
party came aboard the Princess." 

There is not space here to tell of the cruis- 
ing in the Gulf of Mexico which was indulged 
in by the young owners of the “ Princess " 
during the winter, or the particulars of the 
visit to Cedar Keys, but the cousins enjoyed 
every moment, and Sam succeeded in his 
efforts to be gentlemanly and companionable. 

Of course he had a hard battle with him- 
self, as all fellows must who have given way 
for a long time to any one fault ; but his 
better nature conquered in the end, and that 
end came before the ** Princess " sailed for 
Philadelphia. 

As proof of this it is only necessary to 
quote a remark made by Doris to a girl friend 


3o 6 The Wreck of the “Princess” 


of hers who wondered how she could have 
had a pleasant time on board a small yacht 
when Sam was there as a kill-joy. 

He can't be called a kill-joy any longer/' 
she said emphatically. There isn't a nicer 
boy than Sam among all my list of acquaint- 
ances, for now he holds his temper in check 
better than any one I know, and father says 
it has all been brought about by the wreck 
of the ^ Princess.' " 


THE END 



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